Former Heartland FC owner Emmanuel Iwuanyawu passes on at 81

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu who acquired state-owned Spartans FC Owerri and renamed it Iwuanyanwu Nationale in 1984 has died aged 81.

The club which he acquired has since 2006 reverted to the Imo State Government and renamed Heartland FC reaching the final of the CAF Champions League once.

According to news outlet, The Cable, Jide, the son, of Iwunayanwu announced the passing of the former club proprietor. He was also the Ohanaeze Ndigbo president

The son said the late Ohanaeze president-general died on Thursday after a brief illness.

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu founded the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club (now Heartland F.C.), which won several national and international championships.

He was the Chairman, National Sports Development Fund, and, Chairman, Nigerian Football Association USA “94” and Cup of Nations Fund Raising Committee.

He was a Nigerian politician and businessman, considered one of the richest Igbo men in Nigeria.

Iwuanyanwu was until his death the 11th president-general of Ọhanaeze Ndigbo; preceded by George Obiozor.