HARTLAND of Owerri is worried by the absence of its Ghanaian import, Joseph John Jackson, who absconded from camp without leaving a word about his movement.
The club’s Media Officer, Cajetan Nkwopara, said the left-back defender left the Naze Camp about two weeks ago without permission from either the coach or team manager and has since then severed communication.
“Even his Nigerian manager, Mr. Alex Ekwerike, was not aware of his plan to abscond from camp,” he said. “What baffles us is that we (Heartland FC) have no problem with him whatsoever.
“All the while that he has been here, he is loved and well treated. Right now, we are working on the theory that another club here may have lured him away with false promises.”
Nkwopara said the period Jackson disappeared coincided with the time some disgruntled individuals tried to distabilise the team by inciting and discouraging players from giving their best to the team in the hope to send Heartland to relegation by the end of season.
According to him, the player is still under contract with Heartland and indirect approach on a player by another club remains an offence under football law.
Jackson joined Heartland FC last season from Ghanaian top division side, Heart of Lions FC, and starred for the Nigerian side in the CAF Champions League, where they played up to the group stage. Under coach Samson Siasia, he negotiated a new contract this season.
