Elvis Ori, Heartland‘s skilled midfielder, will never forget the day he suffered a devastating cheekbone injury during an NPFL match against Bendel Insurance in Owerri. The incident occurred in December 2024, and Ori was out of action for almost four months. Now, he’s back on the pitch, donning a face mask to protect his vulnerable cheekbone.
“It was the game between Heartland and Bendel Insurance in Owerri, and we were already leading 1-0 when a cross came from the Insurance to our 18-yard box,” Ori recounted in an exclusive interview. “It was in my effort to head out the ball away from the on-rushing Bendel Insurance attacker (Uche Collins) that he headed my cheek, and the bones broke in three places (I was later told).”
Ori’s injury was severe, and he underwent emergency surgery at Owerri’s Galaxy British Hospital. The road to recovery was long and arduous, but with the support of his team, family, and friends, Ori made a full recovery.
“I must commend the entire management of Heartland under the lead of coach Emmanuel Amuneke,” Ori said. “The team did a lot for me, and I cannot forget in a hurry. They walked by me at every step along the way, ensuring my safety before, during, and after the surgery.”
Ori’s fears about his career were alleviated by the expertise of Dr. Chikwendu Cajethan Ejike, the Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy British Hospital. “The prognosis was fantastic, and the surgery was successful; and he is fine,” Dr. Ejike said.
Ori made his highly anticipated return to football on April 2, 2025, in Heartland’s President Federation Cup match against Rangers International. He wore a face mask, similar to that of Super Eagles’ Victor Osimhen, to protect his cheekbone.
“The difficulties are just adapting to the new changes of having an object on my face while playing, knowing vividly that it wasn’t my lifestyle, but I’m adapting to it,” Ori explained. “The advantage is that I have built my confidence, knowing that my injury is now protected, and I hope to wear the protective shield for as long as I desire because I am getting used to it.”
Heartland’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, was instrumental in Ori’s recovery, ensuring the player received the best possible care. “The club owes it as a responsibility to take care of the welfare and wellbeing of the players and other officials in the team,” Amuneke said. “We gave him all the attention because we were concerned when the injury came. We do not want to do anything that will jeopardize the career of any of our players and other officials.”
Dr. Ejike praised Amuneke and Heartland’s management for their dedication to Ori’s recovery. “I am so proud to come in contact with coach Emmanuel Amuneke and the Physiotherapist, Uche Okafor, and other technical and management crews who worked assiduously to ensure that Elvis Ori fully recovered.”
Ori’s triumphant return to football is a testament to his resilience and the team’s commitment to his wellbeing. As he continues to adapt to his new face mask, Ori is ready to take on new challenges and make a lasting impact on the pitch.