NPFL 25: Omaka Scoops Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player Of The Month

NPFL 25: Omaka Scoops Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player Of The Month

Precious Oham

One of Heartland FC's recent acquisitions, Anthony Omaka, has been voted as the latest winner of the Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player of the Month for January 2025, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The versatile defensive midfielder was the unanimous choice as voted by members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo Chapter.

He became the fifth winner of the prestigious award after he polled the highest number of votes to beat another new signing, John Bassey and another of his teammates, Samuel Wisdom, who all emerged as the most outstanding in the three games played in January 2025 against Lobi Stars, Enyimba and Giant Brillars FC.

Omaka featured in two of the three games played by Heartland FC in January, and he was the Man of the Match in the club's gallant draw against Enyimba in Aba, where he almost scored but for the sharp reflexes of the People's Elephant's Ani Ozoemena.

He also bossed the midfield against Lobi Stars alongside his partner, Emmanuel Charles rendering all the Pride of Benue's attempt to operate through the middle null and void throughout the game.

John Bassey, who is one of the nominees for the coveted recognition, had a good January for the Scientific Boys, scoring on his debut against Lobi Stars, where he was picked as the Man of the Match, and also having a commendable outing against Enyimba in Aba.

While the third nominee, Samuel Wisdom notched two goals against Giant Brillars in a game he shone like stars to help Heartland FC qualify for the quarter final of the Imo FA Cup.

Omaka, who previously played for ASVO FC of Benin Republic, Sunshine Stars and Enyimba would be presented with the award in Heartland FC's next home game with Shooting Stars next Sunday in Owerri.

It should be recalled that Peters Afolayan (September), Ebuka Nwokoecha (October), Surajudeen Lawal (November) and Christian Molokwu (December) were previous winners of the award.

Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player of the Month Award is solely organised by Cosmos Chukwuemeka led Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Imo Chapter to reward the most outstanding Heartland FC player every month until the end of the season when the Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player of the Season would be unveiled.

The Association is open to sponsorship from individual and corporate organisations within and outside the state to ensure the accolade is better packaged with the potential sponsor(s) getting the value for their investment.