Newly promoted Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) side Heartland have sacked head coach Ramson Madu after an indifferent start to the season.

The decision to relieve Madu of his duties was confirmed by the club chairman Goodfaith Chibuzor Etuemena.

Etuemena revealed that Madu was shown the door following the club’s string of poor performances this season.

The club chairman said: “We have decided to sack Madu because the performance has not been good and i am not happy at all. The team is bigger than anybody and we will not continue to see things deteriorating and that is why he had to step aside.”

“Eziekel Onyegbule will take over the team as we look to make further changes.” he added.

Speaking earlier this season after his side’s 3-0 loss at MFM, Madu accused “my enemies” of using the players to get him fired.

He said: “My players did not play this match for me or the club.”

“They played this match like ‘accord’ (fixed) match.

“People have penetrated my team to destroy me. My enemies have penetrated into my players to destroy me and they have succeeded.” he concluded.

He leaves the club in 18th spot on the NPFL log with 13 points from 13 games after Wednesday’s 2-1 loss at Akwa United ahead of Sunday’s home game against 12th placed Nasarawa United.