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By Silvernews
Heartland FC midfielder Francis Erikan has been named Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player of the Month for February 2026 after an outstanding start to his second spell with the club.
The award, organized by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, was decided through a survey conducted among members of the association, with Erikan emerging as the unanimous choice of voters.
The Akwa Ibom-born midfielder, who recently returned to Heartland FC during the mid-season transfer window from Akwa United FC, made an immediate impact upon his return to Naze Millionaires with a series of impressive performances.
Erikan secured all the votes cast in the poll, ahead of fellow candidate Jonathan Osondu, another mid-season signing who joined the Owerri club from Crown FC.
The midfielder played a key role in Heartland’s only win in February, a 2-1 victory over Abia Comets FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, where he scored a goal and also provided an assist.
He was also one of the standout performers in the team’s narrow defeat to Beyond Limits FA in Ikenne, a match which marked his second debut for the club.
Osondu also enjoyed a solid month, featuring in both Heartland matches in February and getting on the scoresheet in the win against Abia Comets, underlining the positive impact of the club’s mid-season reinforcements.
The Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player of the Month Award is an initiative of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter, under the leadership of Cosmos Chukwuemeka.
The initiative was created to recognize outstanding performances from Heartland players, while encouraging professionalism and excellence within the team.
Since its introduction last season, the award has continued to honor the best players and is part of SWAN’s commitment to promoting the development of football in Imo State.
Erikan will receive the award on March 14 ahead of kick-off of Heartland’s Nigeria National League match against Sunshine Stars FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
