By Goodness Ndukuba, Akwa on November 11, 2023

Edwin Nwakanma, goalkeeper of Heartland FC, Owerri, a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, is billed to undergo surgery after breaking his right shin in a collision with an advancing striker during the training session.

Nwakanma was immediately rushed to an undisclosed Orthopaedic facility in Owerri where scan was carried out while he's been confirmed for surgery.

"Nwakanma copped the injury during our Thursday evening training.

"He went for the ball in a 50-50 situation with an attacker but unfortunately got injured in the process.

"I don't know the nature of the injury because I'm yet to see the doctor's report after the scan but I do know that it was his right shin that got broken," the Club's Director of Media, Solomon Onu said.

Nwakanma's injury was akin to Rangers Ifeanyi Egwim's in 2016 when the forward broke his right shin in that year's season ending fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors in Enugu.

The incident happened few seconds before the final whistle with Egwim chasing a loose ball with Rangers already 3-0 in front.

It would be recalled that Egwim's career took a nosedive afterwards.

Nwakanma is thought to face a long time out following the unfortunate injury.

"Edwin Nwakanma will get the best of treatment that will help fast-track his recovery and return to football", the club said in a statement on Friday night.

A shell-shocked Promise Nwachukwu, General Manager of the club, said he was 'devastated' witnessing the injury but confirmed that Nwakanma was promptly rushed to an orthopedic hospital where necessary scans and tests have been carried out to ensure he is ready for the surgery. 

"It was a sad event to behold but we have everything firmly under control and the goalkeeper is being attended to promptly.

"Immediately after the incident, he was rushed to the hospital where necessary tests and scans have been carried out ahead of surgery which will take place in no time. 

"Our prayers and thoughts are with him at this point in time. We wish him a speedy recovery," Nwachukwu said.

Similarly, Casmir Mbachu, General Coordinator of the club, hinted that 'one of the best' Orthopedic surgeons in Imo state and his team are attending to Nwakanma.

Mbachu, a former midfielder of Iwuanyanwu Nationale FC which metamorphosed to Heartland FC,  informed that Imo state government,  through the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo, will foot the bill of Nwakanma's treatment.

"The government of Imo state, through the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo will bear the total cost of the surgery and ensure that Nwakanma bounces back from the injury in no time.

"He has been handed over to an orthopedic surgeon and necessary steps have been put in place for him to have the surgery almost immediately", Mbachu added.

Nwakanma had previously featured for Niger Tornadoes of Minna and Abia Warriors from where he journeyed to Heartland .

Source Daily Sports Nigeria

Posted November 11, 2023

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