Heartland FC of Owerri have declared a three-day mourning period following the death of former ace defender, Coach Godwin Eke also known as Goddy Eke.
Eke who reportedly died at the Aladinma Hospital in Owerri on Tuesday after a sudden illness, was a key member of Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club between 1984 and 1994.
Heartland General Manager, Prince Okechukwu Ibe while bemoaning the sad news of the former player’s death said Eke belonged to ‘ a proud and golden era when Iwuanyanwu Nationale straddled the African continent bearing the football dream and aspiration of our nation.’
“We are indeed saddened by the news of Goddy Eke’s demise more especially, when it happened very suddenly. Goddy was a great footballer- a genius at work when it comes to defense roles- when he played in Heartland known then as Iwuanyanwu Nationale. He served with diligence and dedication and it was from here that he played himself by merit into the Flying Eagles and later, Super Eagles,” he stated.
“On be-half of the management and staff of Heartland FC, I condole the family especially his lovely wife and children. On our part because of what he represents to the club and the entire football community here, we offer three special days of mourning as we pray to God to accept his gentle soul,” Ibe declared.
Eke was among the Iwuanyanwu Nationale team that won the Nigeria Division One and Professional League titles five times, two FA cups in 1988 and 1889, Africa Champions League Finalist in 1988 and also represented Nigeria at the Pre-Seoul Oympic Tournament In 1988.
After his exit from the club in 1994, Eke went into coaching and rose to the position of Zonal Sports Officer with the Imo State Sports Council.
