Experienced football administrator, Mike Idoko, has been handed the mantle of leadership at struggling Heartland of Owerri as the five time champions mount the starting block for a spirited race against the dreaded drop from the Nigwria top flight, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

The Naze Millionaires have endured a torrid 2023/2024 NPFL season, sitting precarious on the base of the 20-team standings with a potential risk of a possible third relegation to the second tier league, NNL.

But this is what Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma would not want to happen again as he's understood to have opted to call the bluff of financial impediments to ensure the team did not go down for the second time in his regime as Imo State Governor.

Checks reveal that Idoko, a former NPA 'Seasiders' Warri GM, ex Sunshine Stars of Akure boss and former Lobi Stars General Manager has already assumed duties in new role as Heartland boss, withe the match day 24 NPFL trip to Katsina United as his first Baptism Of Fire. Interestingly, Coach Christian and his charges fell short of luck not to have ran out 1-0 winners that could have ultimately hallmarked their first away win of the season. Katsina United merely drew level with a late stoppage time penalty, thus denying Idoko a winning start to his reign as Heartland boss.

Idoko will make his Heartland home debut on Wednesday, 13 March, with an Oriental Derby clash versus Abia Warriors at their Awka City Stadium transit home ground.

"Mike Idoko has joined us. He was part of the traveling contingent to Katsina United. We came close to winning the game if not for the controversial penalty kick the referee awarded against us late into the added time after he had denied us a much more clearer penalty kick", an official of the club who did not want to be named in print said.

Idoko's arrival is not the only sweeping changes Governor Uzodinma is up to in a bid to rescue the team and bring its season back on track.

Exclusivenews.com.ngg checks reveal that more high profile changes could be effected in the coming,days.