By Amaechi Agbo
On Monday, former Mountain and Fire Miracle Football Club coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu was unveiled as the new coach of Nigeria professional Football League rivals, Heartland Fc of Owerri
Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu left the club after 13 years of relationship to pitch tent with fellow rivals and on Monday he began a three-year campaign at the Naze Millionaires in an unveiling ceremony that had the governor of the state, Emeka Ihedioha in attendance.
It is the first time in as many instances that a governor graced the unveiling of a coach in the league.
Ilechukwu spent 13 years in charge of MFM FC, where he took the club from the second division, Nigeria National League, NNL to the premier league and a campaign in the CAF Champions League.
While addressing the management of the club after his unveiling, coach Ilechukwu opened up on why he left the Lagos club to handle Heartland.
“I feel like I am growing and I want to take another challenge because it looks as if I am in a comfort zone. That’s how I am seeing myself being in a comfort zone.” Ilechukwu said on Brila.net.
“I do hear a lot of things that is happening with state teams but I believe I can take tough challenges as well. Coming to this place, I know that it is not going to be easy at all but I know that by God’s grace, I will deliver and when there is result, everybody is going to be calm.”
It would be recalled that Ilechukwu was close to leaving the Church Club few years ago, but was prevailed upon by the management of the club to have a change of mind.
Best Choice Sports understands that despite being offered a juicy contract just to ward off external interest, Ilechukwu parted company with his former club in search of fresh challenge.
Under his tutelage, MFM rose from a mere amateur club to the top flight of domestic football in Nigeria and has maintained their status ever since despite a shrewd budget.
After barely escaping relegation in their first season in the NPFL, MFM FC finished second behind Plateau United a season later and also represented Nigeria in the CAF Champions League.
Ilechukwu also currently works as assistant coach with the Nigeria U-23 side.
His move to the Owerri-based side is his first professional career move.
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