By Silvernews
Heartland FC midfielder Francis Erikan has been named the 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 poll conducted among members of the association, with Erikan emerging as the unanimous choice of voters.
The Akwa Ibom–born midfielder, who recently rejoined Heartland FC during the mid-season transfer window from Akwa United FC, made an immediate impact on his return to the Naze Millionaires with a string of impressive performances.
Erikan secured all votes cast in the poll, finishing ahead of fellow nominee Jonathan Osondu, another mid-season signing who joined the Owerri-based club from Crown FC.
The midfielder played a key role in Heartland’s only victory in February, a 2–1 win over Abia Comets FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, where he scored a goal and also provided an assist.
He was equally one of the standout performers in the team’s narrow defeat to Beyond Limits FA in Ikenne, a match that marked his second debut for the club.
Osondu also enjoyed a solid month, featuring in both games played by Heartland in February and getting on the scoresheet in the victory over 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 by Heartland players while encouraging professionalism and excellence within the team.
Since its introduction last season, the award has continued to honour top performers and forms part of SWAN’s commitment to promoting football development in Imo State.
Erikan will receive the award on March 14 before kickoff of Heartland’s Nigeria National League fixture against Sunshine Stars FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
