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Okeahialam dismisses Chukwu claims

Okeahialam dismisses Chukwu claims

Posted: 2009-03-09 13:42

Heartland chairman Ignatius Okeahialam has laughed off claims by Rangers coach Christian Chukwu that the Flying Antelopes were hard done by in their 1-3 home loss to the Naze Millionaires.

Chukwu had claimed in an interview with KickOffNigeria.com after the game that his team would not have lost if the referee had been fair, but Okeahialam respectfully disagreed.

"Chukwu is an honest man, a gentleman and he has to say something," the Heartland boss said with a patronising chuckle.

"The truth is that he met a team that was simply better.

"If he says the second goal was offside, did he tell you about the first goal where our player got the ball and dribbled almost six defenders before scoring?

"Even the goal that he claimed was offside; he had two defenders plus the goalkeeper on the line. How could that be offside?

"That is not say that Rangers did not play well. Infact, I would say that I agree with him that they played very well and caused us a lot of problems. But we made two changes which gave us the edge and he had no answer to that.

"Their problem is that their players did not want to work. When they get into the box, instead of playing on and trying to score, they simply fall down and wait for the referee to give them a penalty.

"They were lucky the referee didn't book them for diving.

"We also had two clear penalties that were not awarded to us. But as I was not surprised as we have never been given away penalties since I started managing this club.

"Only Enyimba and Bayelsa get away penalties," Okeahialam stated.

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Austin: 2009-03-09 15:08

Okehialam has just won my heart by his gentlemanly response to Chukwu's broadsides. He has been very logical, paying deserved complements to the accuser. That is maturity. But that does not wash off the taint of corruption that Chukwu smeared on our NPL. That weighty matter should not be buried in a shallow grave because the legs is still sticking out and the stench is everywhere.

Frank: 2009-03-09 15:11

I thought with the advent of the NPL with Obaseki at the helm that our league will be respectable. Alas, our dirty politics still counts in our league where every club wants to win at all costs and no one loses without making rash and corruption claims. If Obaseki and his cohorts know their left from their right they should investigate every claim and dish out punishments to the culprits and even punish any club whose claims can not be established. Isn't that why Supersport is there to cover matches? Or is everywhere lawless in Nigeria now? Up Heartland!

Sley: 2009-03-09 16:01

good commendation from the chairman of hertland. I quote him ''Their problem is that their players did not want to work. When they get into the box, instead of playing on and trying to score, they simply fall down and wait for the referee to give them a penalty'' We all know there is corruption in our league but chukwu was looking for a flimsy excuse 2 give in order not to take blame. Hertland is the team to beat they worked hard for their victory & must be commended

Billion: 2009-03-09 16:19

I just love the response of the Heartland FC chairman. This is the reason it pays to listen to both sides before making categorical comments. I think the NPL should call Chukwu to order and punitive actions should be taken on any stake holder who smear mud on our growing league.

Theophilus: 2009-03-09 23:50

Okeahialam is a very matured gentleman with his comments on the corruption charges against his team,heartland fc but that is not to say that Chukwu's allegation is unfounded. NFF shld investigate this, as it is the second time such allegation is being made, the first one cominng from Kadiri Ikana. Referees are killing our domestic game and they seem to always get away with it. We know that there is hunger in land but that is not enough reason for anybody to indulge in corruption.Any official found wanting in the discharge of their duties should be appropriately punished.South Africn league is not supposed to be anything near our league if not for this cancerworm called corruption that has refused to leave our league system.The win at all cost syndrom by some clubs especially home teams is not helping matters either. NFF shld ensure that enough security is provided at our match venues to safeguard our officials so as to churn out unbiased officiating without fear of being victimized or lynched by fans after matches... Theo from Warri.

TAWFEEQ: 2009-03-10 07:40

Your are an arrogant illiterate Mr. Ignatius! Chukwu has made a honest and realistic claim. It is not the first time an insider is coming out to claim that our local league is been ruined by corrupt and decadent practices ranging from bribing referees and match officials. Ikhana made the same not long ago. So, you Igantius should come to your sense and set out a sincere panel made up of sincere Nigerians to look into those claims rather opening wide your mouth to refute such a sincere claim!!!

TAWFEEQ: 2009-03-10 07:40

Your are an arrogant illiterate Mr. Ignatius! Chukwu has made a honest and realistic claim. It is not the first time an insider is coming out to claim that our local league is been ruined by corrupt and decadent practices ranging from bribing referees and match officials. Ikhana made the same not long ago. So, you Igantius should come to your sense and set out a sincere panel made up of sincere Nigerians to look into those claims rather opening wide your mouth to refute such a sincere claim!!!

tester: 2009-03-10 11:53

please dont mislead okeahialam or whatever he calls himself,there could be some sense in what chukwu is saying,nff/nfl pls take note.then,i want to use this forum to advise oke/rat,not to open his mouth any how and smear the name ENYIMBA,he cannot achieve even in 50 yrs what Enyimba achieved in just 5yrs.respond to chukwu's comments .dont use this as a ring to fight with enyimba,they are well ahead of you in everything,how many trophies can you boast of as chairman of heartland fc?i use to respect iwuanyanwu national,those days not this okeheartland fc,even if you win the league this season you know you would have done so through stealing of precious away points.oke! be warned!

tester: 2009-03-10 11:58

please dont mislead okeahialam or whatever he calls himself,there could be some sense in what chukwu is saying,nff/nfl pls take note.then,i want to use this forum to advise oke/rat,not to open his mouth any how and smear the name ENYIMBA,he cannot achieve even in 50 yrs what Enyimba achieved in just 5yrs.respond to chukwu's comments .dont use this as a ring to fight with enyimba,they are well ahead of you in everything,how many trophies can you boast of as chairman of heartland fc?i use to respect iwuanyanwu national,those days not this okeheartland fc,even if you win the league this season you know you would have done so through stealing of precious away points.oke! be warned!

Sley: 2009-03-10 13:16

tester, i dnt knw what 2 say with ur comment.. u sound like a ranger official. What chukwu said we all know. There is corruption everywhere in our league. But Okeahialam is right to defend the club. Enyimba did their part and came sucessful so heartland can get their soon. U dont fllw the league thats why u keep making comments that suits u without facts.. Heartland won the match convincingly and chukwu shuld conc on puting his team in gud shape

oscar : 2009-03-10 18:07

Since KON has refused to give us daily news, lets share some news:


Obasi doubtful for Mozambique tie (BBC)


Hoffenheim and Nigeria striker Chinedu Obasi will miss up to a month of action after tearing a muscle in his right hip.

"He'll be out about four weeks," club spokesman Markus Sieger said on Tuesday.

Obasi is part of the Super Eagles squad for the 2010 World Cup qualifier away to Mozambique at the end of the month, but the injury effectively rules him out of the tie.

He had already missed Hoffenheim's first three games at the start of the second half of the season, due to a thigh muscle injury.

Obasi made his first appearance of the year last Saturday in the 0-0 draw at home to Werder Bremen.

I JUST HOPE WE ARE PREPARED FOR MORE BAD NEWS BECAUSE AS SOMEONE POINTED OUT, AMODU DID NOT NAME ANYBODY ON THE WAITING LIST.

sam: 2009-03-10 20:59

KON make una commot this man face make we see road now!!! ahaaa!!!

coache: 2009-03-10 22:40

which link can i use to watch the match @emmanuel

oyiza: 2009-03-11 09:52

are these guys sleeping or they are too lazy to give us fresh news?come on guys it is time 2 weak upppppppppp!If there are no news,then close this site with an immediate effect!

val: 2009-03-11 09:53

@coache, am still reluctant to return back to our beloveth forum, but should you not still able to catch todays's match, let me know so i can send you the link, i live in Germany and i watch all matches on my computer, i hope it works for you too.
take good are.

EnyiAwka 1: 2009-03-11 13:23

Since KON cant give us a new news. let us generate a topic and discuss on it.

EnyiAwka 1: 2009-03-11 13:27

Since KON cant give us a new news. let us generate a topic and discuss on it.

coache: 2009-03-11 13:39

Yes Chris, the issue we can discuss is that Westerhof has been inviting U-17 coaches to come and pick boys from the KFA in Ilorin. That man has been developing those lads tactically and technically and can be relied upon.

The lads have been properly fed and well groomed. Why not go there and get the best 3 or four players that can do the nations proud. Westerhof invited Alphonsus Dike but the man refused to honour the Westerhof's invitation. Nwosu you are on your own now..... Any comments.

EnyiAwka 1: 2009-03-11 14:22

Coache thanks for that info. Westerhof is wastintg his time, our coaches are only concerned about how to win with over aged playersa

EnyiAwka 1: 2009-03-11 14:26

Henry Nwosu that is a product of Academy football and the youngest Super eagles player. We expect him to use players that are true 17yrs but go to their camp in Abuja and see the men he calls boys. Na waoooooooo

EnyiAwka 1: 2009-03-11 14:27

Henry Nwosu that is a product of Academy football and the youngest Super eagles player. We expect him to use players that are true 17yrs but go to their camp in Abuja and see the men he calls boys. Na waoooooooo

EnyiAwka 1: 2009-03-11 14:27

CHinedu Obasi Injured out for one month.

EnyiAwka 1: 2009-03-11 14:34

CHinedu Obasi Injured out for one month.

long : 2009-03-11 15:29

the kwara football academy is not the only academy we have in the country, there are a lot like that. the problem is the win at all cost syndrome,the minister wants the cup during his tenure, so does the nff boss. the coach does not want to be sacked, so rather than develop players at the grassroots he combs league sides for ready made materials, which does nothing to help the concept of developmental football.

Frank: 2009-03-11 15:39

We have always done well in age group competitions especially the under 17 without Westerhof and the Kwara academy. If we get players from there fine and if we don't, what's the ado? Isn't this an avenue for cheap blackmail?

JAY: 2009-03-11 15:47

guys why una dey complein sef ehn? possible reasons why there's been no updates;

1. the person wen suppose change am don go chop
2. nepa never bring light since last week
3. landlord don put padlock for the door since we never pay rent for 6 months

take your pick... maybe even all 3 reasons apply hahahaha

EnyiAwka 1: 2009-03-11 17:09

I hope Obasi will come out to refute the injury being reported in some of the dailies. and brilafm.net