Former Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Heartland of Owerri, have announced Hassan Abdallah as their new coach.

Abdallah, who has coached Kano Pillars, Gombe United, and Enugu Rangers, among others, succeeds Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, who has left for greener pastures.

The former Flying Eagles coach, who also assisted Coach Samson Siasia at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, signed a two-year deal with the Naze Millionaires.

MEANWHILE, Enugu Rangers have affirmed their confidence in Coach Salisu Yusuf, who has led the team in the last two seasons.

Debunking the rumour that the coach has signed a deal with Kano Pillars, Rangers’ G.M/CEO, Davidson Owumi, said, “Coach Salisu Yusuf is a professional and a big one at that, hence due process needs to be taken in everything relating to the terms of the contract we have with him.”

We are saying that all the terms of the contract we have with coach Salisu Yusuf have to be fully respected.” Coach Salisu had earlier during a meeting with the Rangers’ board disclosed that pressure were mounting on him from his home state of Kano where the government and traditional institutions were on his neck to come and lead the ‘Sai Masu Gida’ side may not allow him to honor his contract with a side he loves with a great passion, Rangers International F.C.

Rangers’ old and new players are expected back in the coal city tomorrow to begin pre-season activities for the 2021/2022 season.