Tag: Heartland

Heartland FC will trade tackles with Solution FC of Awka at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri tomorrow in a replay of the friendly game played in the Anambra capital last month.

The Naze Millionaires battled Solution FC to a goalless draw in Awka and as the Emmanuel Amuneke-tutored lads continue their preparation for the start of the Nigeria National League season both teams will lock horns again in the return leg of the tie.

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It will be recalled that Heartland FC endured a painful late-minute implosion when former player Francis Erikan struck deep into stoppage time to earn Akwa United a 1–1 draw in a tense friendly encounter at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Saturday afternoon.

The encounter offered valuable lessons and fitness for both teams as they continue preparations to return to topflight football and the tie with Solution FC will provide more insight into the level of Heartland FC build up to the lower league season will starts on November 8^th . 

Heartland FC  has distanced itself from its former General Manager, Promise Uchenna Nwachukwu, declaring that he no longer has any link or authority to represent the club in any capacity.

In a statement signed by the club’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, Heartland clarified that Nwachukwu ceased to be part of the club’s management since July 2024. The club noted that recent developments necessitated the disclaimer to prevent the public and football stakeholders from being misled.

 “Mr. Nwachukwu is not authorized to represent Heartland FC in any official or unofficial matters, nor is he permitted to act, speak, or transact on behalf of the club,” the Owerri-based side said in a statement.

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Heartland further warned that any individual, organization, or football body — including the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Confederation of African Football (CAF), or FIFA — that deals with Nwachukwu under the impression that he represents the club does so at their own risk.

The club emphasized that it will not be held liable for any agreements, representations, or commitments made by the former official.

Amuneke assured that the club remains focused on repositioning Heartland FC for greater professionalism, transparency, and integrity.

Heartland FC kicked off their campaign in the 7^th  Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Preseason Tournament with an emphatic 3-0 win over Inter Aba FC at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Sunday.

Under the guidance of Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke, the Naze Millionaires dominated proceedings, with Emmanuel Charles opening the scoring in the 32^nd  minute. Daniel Ekpo added a brace, netting in the 40^th  and 48^th  minute, to seal a comprehensive victory.

Fielding a refreshed squad featuring a mix of new recruits and a handful of retained players from last season, Heartland displayed renewed energy and determination as they aim to improve on last season’s performance. They are scheduled to face Excellent FC of Ughelli, Delta State, today at 2 p.m.

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In other matches played on the day, Enyimba defeated Excellent FC 2-0, while KMK FC of Uyo extended their unbeaten run in the tournament, settling for a goalless draw against NPFL newcomers Kun Khalifat FC.

KMK FC currently top Group A with seven points from three matches, followed by Enyimba with six points from two games. Heartland sit third with three points from their opening match. Their earlier fixtures against Kun Khalifat and Enyimba have been rescheduled.

Meanwhile, in Group B action at the Enugu centre, Abia Warriors cruised past Great Achievers with a 4-0 victory, while Diana Emi dispatched Ingas FC 3-0.

Heartland FC have apologised to Imo people including His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodinma for the club’s relegation to the lower league despite the support they got from the Imo Government, and football stakeholders in the Eastern Heartland.

The club in a statement , expressed shock at the manner of their exit from the topflight and are apologising to Imolites for another chance to correct the wrongs.

“The management, players and coaches of Heartland FC hereby apologise for the  unfortunate outcome and the Clubs exit from the  Nigeria Premier Football League on the final day of the season .

We are utterly gutted that our efforts were not good enough despite the love ,care and magnanimity of our number one Supporter   and  Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma and football stakeholders in the state.

“We  apologize to  Governor Hope Uzodinma , Imo football stakeholders, and our esteemed fans and Supporters  for failing to maintain the Status of our darling club in the Nigerian top flight.

“The team fought but  despite all the hard work ,we fell short. Imo People deserved better.

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“We must acknowledge the  invaluable support we received from football stakeholders in the state from the Imo Sports Commissioner, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha , Imo FA led by Barrister Ifeanyi Dike and other stakeholders.

“It is a sad moment for all of us   but we  appeal to all to sheath their swords and work together to build the Team of our dreams. The pain of the present cannot be compared to the joy of a bright future.

“This sad moment can inspire us to learn from our errors and bounce back stronger and better .

The darkest hour of the night is closer to the dawn of a new day 

“Weeping may endure for a night but Joy comes in the morning”

 “We pledge our total commitment and dedication to rejig our club and  return smiles to the faces of Imolites Fans and our beloved supporters,” the statement added.

There was gloom at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Sunday evening, as Heartland FC’s 2-1 victory over Akwa United proved too little, too late.

Despite ending the season on a winning note, the result wasn’t enough to save Emmanuel Amuneke’s side from relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL).

Heading into the final matchday of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign, Heartland’s survival hopes were already precarious. They not only needed a win but also relied heavily on El-Kanemi Warriors dropping points against Sunshine Stars in Maiduguri—an outcome that never came.

The match began with a flash of hope, as Isaac Nassy stunned the crowd with a lightning-fast goal just five seconds after kick-off, possibly the quickest of the season. That early strike lit up the stands, and optimism surged as updates from Maiduguri showed a goalless stalemate.

Heartland pushed forward with intent and eventually secured a 2-1 win. But the jubilation was short-lived. Word soon spread that El-Kanemi had edged Sunshine Stars 1-0, rendering Heartland’s efforts meaningless. Reality hit hard—the club was relegated once again, marking their fourth drop in just nine years.

The team’s descent began in 2016 and was followed by further relegations in 2022, 2024, and now 2025—three of which have occurred under the current administration. The latest fall from grace was met with heavy silence and scattered grief.

Outside the stadium, fans gathered in small, dejected clusters, their faces etched with frustration and resignation. Nearby bars were mostly deserted, save for a few patrons nursing their disappointment. Conversations were dominated by one bitter truth: Heartland had fallen once again.

“What have we (fans) done to deserve this?” one fan who simply gave his name as Chima Ndukwe asked rhetorically.

“So we’re not going to watch NPFL football here in Owerri again? I can’t believe Heartland has truly been relegated,” said another fan, who identified himself as Onwukwe.

Heartland thus join Lobi Stars, Akwa United, and Sunshine Stars in the Nigeria National League (NNL) for the 2025/2026 season.

Heartland  have brightened chances of keeping their topflight spot following  a mouthwatering 2-0 away win in Enugu against Rangers International  who are still mourning the death of their legendary captain and coach, Chairman Christian Chukwu  who passed on  Saturday at the  age of 74.

 Before the kick-off, a mandatory  one-minute silence was observed for  the late  Rangers’ hero  while he was equally given a wild applause  in the 74^th minute of the match  to depict  how old he was  before his passage on Saturday.

Nonetheless,  the Naze Millionaires showed no pity as  they began attacking their hosts right  from the first quarter of the game after they had absolved the initial pressure from the Flying Antelopes in the opening 10 minutes. It turned out to be their best spell of the game.

Heartland first real shot on target resulted in the opening goal in the 21^st  minute through their highest scorer, Surajudeen Lawal who notched his sixth goal of the season after a good interchange of passes. He turned his Rangers marker and was face to face with Lucky Abdullahi in goal for Rangers. He managed to direct his shot to the bottom left corner of the goalie and the ball ended at the back of the net.

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It was a big relief to Heartland FC as the goal made them to quickly settle down into the game but for Rangers, it signalled danger having lost their previous home game to Plateau United and also under pressure to win for their former skipper, Christian Chukwu who died the previous day to the game after a battle of illness.

Heartland added a second goal through a goal mouth scramble header through Isaac Nassy in the opening period of the second half.

The Naze Millionaires ran away 2-0 winners with Goalie Kelvin Ogunga called up to come to the rescue of his team of a few occasions. It was a sweet win that has lifted the Owerri side out of the relegation zone in 16^th  spot with 41 points from 33 games ahead of Kwara United visit to Owerri this weekend.

Reacting to the victory, Heartland’s  Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke,  praised his boys for playing to instructions and he also commented on key win that has taken them away from the drop zone.

“It was a tough game but we gave the game our all because we desire the three points and we know we must put all hands on deck to achieve result,” Amuneke told journalists. “We know that Oriental derbies are always like this and we are grateful we won. We are not yet there. We shall go back home and think about our next game which is equally important towards our safety.”

Heartland defender Samuel Agu remains confident that  the Naze Millionaires will secure their  berth in the topflight for the good of Imo people.

Agu, a mid-season signing from Akwa United,  scored two goals from set pieces to return the Naze Millionaires to winning ways and the defender told the club’s media that they knew only the three points would help bring back their season to life and were delighted to fight for it.

The Heartland player disclosed that scoring more to help lift the team out of its current struggles is his long term target and that they are going to Enugu to surprise their host, Rangers International.

The win marked a much-needed breakthrough for the Naze Millionaires, who had gone seven games without a victory.

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Agu’s brace not only ended the drought but also gave fans a glimpse of hope as the season nears its final stretch.

 “I’m really happy to have scored the two goals,” Agu said to Heartland Media. “We’ve been struggling to score in our past six matches, so I’m grateful to God for using me to help break that streak.”

Agu, who has been sharpening his free-kick skills since the start of the season, emphasized his desire to contribute more on the score sheet.

“I’m determined to score more goals for this team. It takes a collective effort to succeed, and I’m ready to give my all.”

 He also made a heartfelt appeal to the fans: “I know our recent performances have been disappointing, and the frustration is understandable. But I’m pleading with our fans to keep supporting us. We have six games left, and we’re committed to fighting hard to get the results we need to stay in the top flight. That’s a promise.”

Technical Manager of Heartland, Emmanuel Amuneke said  his boys deserve the maximum points if they had converted the chances that came their way.

The Naze Millionaires would take the positives from their goalless draw away to Sunshine Stars in Wednesday’s 2024/2025 NPFL matchday 31 fixture in Ijebu Ode.

Heartland are now winless in their last six  games suffering two away defeats, two home draws, a 1-0 loss at home to Abia Warriors before the goalless draw earned in Ijebu Ode.

The point secured against Sunshine Stars has lifted the 2009 CAF Champions League runners-up has boosted the morale of the players though they are still in the relegation zone as they are 18th on the log with 35 points. Amuneke admitted the result was fair but would have preferred all three points.

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 “I think it was a tough game for both teams, considering their positions on the table,” Amuneke said. “Of course, each team probably came in with the objective of picking up maximum points. We had some chances but were unable to convert any of them.

 “They also had their chances, which they equally didn’t take. Overall, for us, it wasn’t a bad result.

 “But we would have loved to take all three points at stake.”

Heartland will face Kano Pillars in Owerri in next weekend’s matchday 32 fixture at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

The Sai Masu Gida side sit 8^th  in the NPFL table with 44 points.