Dan Anyiam Comes Alive in Eastern Heartland

The history of Nigerian football will not be complete without the mention of a notable figure, whose giant strides still reverberate to date.

The name, Dan Anyiam, is not just a household name but an iconic figure whose tremendous impact still lives on.

In 1949, when the Eagles assembled for the first time as the ‘Red Devils’, Dan Anyiam captained the team on a tour to the United Kingdom.

As at that time, he was plying his trade with Lagos UAC as their defensive strongman.

He captained the ‘Red Devils’ that later became Green Eagles to win the JALCO Cup between Nigeria and Ghana in 1956.

The Nkwerre-born star went on to become the first indigenous National Team Coach in 1954-1956 and 1964-1965. He won the Governor’s Cup in 1950 and later became the first coach of Enugu Rangers.

The former Eagles skipper passed on 6th July 1976, leaving his mark in the history of Nigeria football.

As the 2024/2025 football season begins, the iconic Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, which was named after him, will play host to the Dan Anyiam Cup.

The Cup, which is part of preparations to herald the season will see Heartland Football Club of Owerri take on Nigeria National League side, Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri.

The game will kick off at 5pm on 4th September, 2024 under the floodlights after the unveiling of the new Heartland players which Is expected to start by 4pm.

Football enthusiasts, stakeholders, fans, and the public are enjoined to be a part of this epoch-making event as Dan Anyiam comes alive in the Eastern Heartland.