By Clement Nwankpa Jr
Please, I need clarifications from LMC, NFF, veteran league writers and anyone knowledgeable enough to help…
Which team was credited with the 1987 league title, Leventis United or Iwuanyanwu Nationale?
Records available to Google credit Heartland (Nationale) with five titles including 1987. These records have gained prominence and are widely circulated and quoted. I also noted that Google search wasn’t forthcoming with the 1987 league table while most of other seasons were available.
But I am aware that Leventis United finished the 1987 season in first position, Abiola Babes were second and Nationale third. After the season, Leventis and Abiola Babes were disbanded so Nationale was awarded the African Cup of Champions Club (current CAF Champions League) ticket.
Now, was Leventis stripped of the title after fulfilling all obligations according to the season’s rules and regulations? If yes, why? Was the club’s disbandment AT THE END OF THE SEASON deemed an infraction on the 1987 season?
Is it possible that the unavailability of 1987 league table on Google could have prompted the promoters of Nationale as league champions to credit them with the 1987 title on assumption that they were champions having represented Nigeria in the 1988 Cup of Champions Clubs and going as far as the final? (Just assuming)
It is important that we put this to bed once and for all and put the records straight.
