09/01/2026
*Press Statement*
*Imo SWAN Crowns Okoro Heartland’s Best Player for December*
Heartland FC attacking midfielder Joel Okoro, has been named the Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player of the Month for December 2025, following an impressive run of performances for the Naze Millionaires.
The award was decided by Cosmos Chukwuemeka led members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, who unanimously voted Okoro as the standout performer for the month under review.
The press statement written by the Secretary of the Association, Tunde Liadi further stated that Okoro’s influence was decisive despite Heartland featuring in just two competitive matches in December.
The midfield talisman produced his most memorable outing in the club’s thrilling 3–2 victory over Inter Lagos, where he scored a brace to secure Heartland’s second win in the Nigeria National League during the period. His leadership, work rate and attacking quality set him apart from his peers and underlined his importance to the Owerri-based side.
The Heartland on-pitch skipper edged out two other strong contenders for the award: Murphy Ndukwu and Chukwuma Udoma. Ndukwu, who won the Player of the Month award in November 2025, was instrumental in December as he provided the two assists for Okoro’s goals against Inter Lagos, contributing directly to the club’s victory with his individual brilliance. Udoma, on his part, found the net in Heartland’s 3–1 away defeat to Sunshine Stars, scoring what proved to be a consolation goal before being substituted.
The recognition further highlights Okoro’s growing stature within the team, not only as a creative force in midfield but also as a leader on the pitch at a crucial stage of the season. His consistency and match-winning ability have drawn plaudits from fans and analysts alike, especially in a month where opportunities to impress were limited.
Okoro who has now scored four goals from six games will be formally presented with the Player of the Month plaque on Saturday, January 10, 2026, during the halftime break of Heartland FC’s home clash against Beyond Limits FC of Ikenne.
The ceremony is expected to add extra motivation for the midfielder as Heartland look to build momentum in what could have been the concluding fixture of the first stanza if not for the outstanding fixture versus Smart City in Lagos.
The Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player of the Month Award continues to recognize outstanding individual performances while promoting excellence and professionalism within the club and the Nigeria National League at large.
