Heartland Accuse Enyimba of ‘Unprofessional’ Poaching, They Push Back

A simmering transfer controversy has erupted between Oriental rivals as Heartland accuse Enyimba of poaching four of their players without following proper protocols. Among those involved are striker John Bassey, 21 year old Christian Molokwu, keeper Kelvin Ogunja, and defender Samuel Agu, all of whom have been training with Enyimba without formal approaches or clearance from Heartland.

Heartland Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke expressed deep frustration, saying: “It’s disheartening to learn that clubs, notably Enyimba, have attempted to disrupt our plans by trying to poach players … in the most unprofessional manner”. He warned that such behaviour threatens the integrity of Nigerian football and could lead to reporting the issue to relevant authorities.

Enyimba’s Sporting Director, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, dismissed the allegations. He clarified that the players approached his club with valid documents and that Enyimba had not solicited them: “The players in question were not poached by Enyimba. They approached us of their own accord, bringing their clearance papers with them.” Ekwueme added that player movement is a normal aspect of football and urged Heartland to focus on building a committed squad .

Editorial

We believe this dispute highlights an important chink in Nigerian football’s professionalism. At heart, Heartland’s development efforts seem undermined when players are enticed away without proper coordination. We empathise with their concerns about integrity and fairness.

Yet, we also understand Enyimba’s perspective. If players arrive with valid documentation and express their own will to join, the club may be within its rights to accept them. That said, greater transparency during such transfers would serve both sides and uphold the sport’s reputation.

We urge the governing bodies to establish clearer protocols and enforce accountability. Player movement should never destabilise clubs or erode trust. Ensuring ethical transfer practices protects not just clubs, but the future of football in Nigeria. Let this moment be a catalyst for reform and stronger structures.

Did You Know?

1. Heartland FC, nicknamed the “Naze Millionaires,” were relegated in the 2023–24 NPFL season but were reinstated for 2024–25 after taking over Beyond Limits’ slot—via NPFL rules, not by purchasing it .
2. Enyimba FC, known as the “People’s Elephant,” have won the CAF Champions League twice (2003 and 2004) and are Nigeria’s most successful club in continental competitions.
3. Coach Emmanuel Amuneke, Technical Manager at Heartland, is a former Super Eagles star and celebrated Nigeria football figure, offering strong leadership at the club.
4. Enyimba recently underwent a managerial change, appointing Stanley Eguma as head coach in December 2024 after dismissing Yemi Olanrewaju.
5. In the prior NPFL campaign, Heartland suffered a harsh relegation, recording one of the league’s longest winless streaks and delivering one of the season’s biggest defeats (a 5–1 loss to Plateau United).