Heegan Fires Nigerian Coach Felix Nwosu, Former Coach Takes Charge
By Simon Taveta and Mohamed Qalinle
Felix Nwosu has been sacked as head coach of Heegan and replaced with former coach Ahmed Abdi Rahman Omar.
The humiliating defeat by Elman 2-0 and 1-1 draw with Jeenyo was the last nail on the coffin for Felix Nwosu. His only other appearance in public was on the stands as a spectator during Elman vs. Banaadir Sports Club on Friday.
Felix took over the club five months ago and immediately started to prepare the team to take part in General Da’ud cup 2016. However he lost in semi final to Banaadir sports club on post match penalties. Before reaching the second round of General Da’ud he had not lost any match in the preliminary stage winning two matches and drawing one.
Heegan had faced Elman in the first match and drew 0-0; in the second match they thrashed Somali Fruit 4-0 before proceeding to beat Horseed 2-1 in the final match of the group stage.
Felix leaves Heegan after five months into his contract. Felix a former defender of Gor Mahia in Kenya was seen by many Somali football enthusiasts as the Pep Guardiola of Somali football due to his emotional attachment and goal celebration antics whenever his team scored.
His style of play mirrored that of Manchester City boss, attacking style, which in the few matches he oversaw Heegan proved difficult to opposition defenders.
Heegan confirmed Felix departure Saturday morning praising his ‘great professionalism and dignity throughout’ while adding a decision for his successor had already been reached.
While speaking to Goobjoog News after arriving in Nairobi Saturday afternoon the Chelsea supporter said he was very disappointed not to see his intended three-year plan. He thanked Heegan supporters who stood by him throughout his five-month tenure as well as Heegan management for giving him an opportunity to coach in Somalia, country he says he shall dearly miss. ”I love the Somali people, they are so welcoming and they make you feel at home. I had started getting used to the food as well as picking up some few Somali words.”
Heegan management did not give a detailed statement as to why Felix left his position, only confirming that the decision was mutual and of best interest to the club who are chasing the title two years after lifting it in 2014-2015 season.
“We wish to thank Felix Nwosu for the professionalism and dedication he showed during the course of his duties with the first team. We wish him the best for his professional and personal future” a statement from the club said.
There was always a chance, however slim, that Felix Nwosu could have proved Heegan wrong.
He had gone on to be a success elsewhere I supported his belief that he could have turned things around at Heegan given more time.
Felix has previously coached Global Impact, Power Rangers, Rangers International, Court of Appeal all in Nigeria as well as FIN Football Academy and FC Talanta in Kenya.
However the coach whom Heegan sacked in 2015 after loosing two cup finals General Da’ud final and Somali Super Cup in 2015 has taken over the mantle and it remains to be seen if he can win his first match which comes pretty soon, as he is set to play defending Champions Banaadir Sports Club in the League on Tuesday.
The new head coach said of his appointment: “I’m proud and honored to be come back to coach this wonderful club. It fills me with enthusiasm, the challenge of coming back here is to get to live beautiful moments.
Ahmed Abdi Rahman Omar first game in charge will be against Banaadir at Banaadir Stadium on Tuesday.