Heartland chairman Ignatius Okeahialam has praised the work done by Samson Siasia, despite the club's inability to advance beyond the group stages of the CAF Champions League.

Last year's finalists finished bottom of the group with 5 points after just one win in six, but Okeahialam said Siasia was distracted by negotiations over the Super Eagles job.

“I can understand his frustrations," Okeahialam said.

"He so much wanted to be coach of the national team and in one game he joined our team at the match venue after staying back to discuss with FA officials.

"There is no way he would have been able to give his all to our course."

Okeahialam is not one to throw praise around lightly, but he was keen to stress that the club would do everything to keep Siasia after the work he did.

“Yes we are disappointed that we could not go all the way but one thing I know is that Siasia is a very good coach.

"In fact he is one of the best that have ever worked with our club and we intend to keep him.

“In the little time he spent with us, you could see the difference and we know that the club will gain in the long run if he starts and ends the new season with us.”

In the event however, that Siasia get the Super Eagles job, Okeahialam says there is a Plan B.

“We know that he could get the national team job sooner or later so we want to tap from his wealth of knowledge while we have him.

“If the job comes, we will have to go for an alternative coach but for now, we want to enjoy what he offers to the team.”

While the club are happy to keep Siasia, the same is not the case for his assistant and former teammate Emeka Ezeugo.


The former midfielder has been asked to go after failing to agree contract terms with the Naze Millionaires.

http://www.kickoff.com/news/17926/heartland-boss-samson-siasia-made-a-difference.php