Former Enyimba winger, Murphy Ndukwe, has emerged as Heartland player of the month of November after dusting the duo of Uchenna Odeh and Melody Idase in the race for the award of the first month of the 2025/2026 NNL season, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

The award was presented to the winger during the half-time of the matchday round clash between the Naze Millionaires and Inter Lagos, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Sunday.

Ndukwe's sterling performances in the first three matches of the season proved overwhelming to earn him the prestigious award, instituted by the Imo State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN.

During the period under review, Ndukwe become the first Heartland FC player to win the monthly award this season, continuing the positive momentum in the second season of the partnership between Imo SWAN and Heartland.

In a press statement written by the scribe of Imo SWAN, Tunde Liadi, Ndukwu secured the award through a transparent voting process by Imo SWAN members, earning the highest number of votes for the month ahead of equally impressive Uchenna Odeh and Melody Idase. 

The winger posted a stand-out performance in Heartland’s first home match of the season against Edel FC, scoring the club’s first goal of the campaign after just 45 seconds after kick off, —a moment that set the tone for the Owerri side's eventual 2-1 triumph.

Ndukwe further provided the assist for the second goal, thus, underlining his value and influence in the attacking department of the 2009 CAF Champions League losing finalists.

He had earlier posted a commendable performance against Crown FC in their first match of the season and Gateway FC in their third fixture of the second tier league season.

Ndukwu has remained the most positive spark -- demonstrating quality, consistency, and hunger that gives confidence for improvement as the season progresses.

The award was presented to the player by the Chairman of Imo SWAN, Cosmos Chukwuemeka during the half time of Heartland's matchday four 3-2 win against Inter Lagos on Sunday.

“Murphy has been a bright light for the Naze Millionaires so far. His early goal and assist in the first home game of the season lifted the team and gave fans something to cheer about", the Imo SWAN boss said. 

"This award is well deserved, and we hope it motivates not just him but the entire squad to push harder in the coming fixtures. Our partnership with Heartland FC continues to grow stronger, and recognitions like this are part of our commitment to encouraging excellence".