Heartland FC goalkeeper Chukwuebuka Nwokoecha has denied reports suggesting he underwent surgery following an injury sustained during a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture against Plateau United.
The speculation arose after Nwokoecha was forced off during Heartland’s 3-2 defeat to Plateau United on matchday 16.
However, speaking during the halftime break of Heartland’s match against Rivers United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, he clarified that no surgical procedure was required.
“Yes, I had an injury during our match against Plateau United, but I did not have surgery as some reports suggested,” Nwokoecha stated.
He went on to explain that he briefly lost consciousness after colliding with two Plateau United players before resuming play.
However, he was later substituted as a precautionary measure.
Further investigations have confirmed that it was actually Heartland’s other goalkeeper, Ori Elvis, who required surgery after sustaining an injury in a separate match against Bendel Insurance.
“To my knowledge, it was Elvis Ori who underwent surgery after sustaining the injury during our home game against Bendel Insurance,” Nwokoecha added.
Despite his absence, Heartland secured a 2-0 victory over Rivers United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in their subsequent fixture.
