Tag: Heartland

Heartland’s Chief coach, Charles Uzor, said  the Naze Millionaires would not give up their topflight status and would fight until the end of the season.

Uzor, rued  the  players’  attitude against Abia Warriors, saying  the club would have carried the day if they converted the chances that came their way.

But he noted that they would go  to Ikenne with the renewed zeal to get the three points knowing that only a positive outcome against Sunshine Stars would help save their season.

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“Players of today do not understand the business of the league. It is very disappointing. We will not give up until the very end. It is not over until it is over,” Uzor told journalists.

“It is a neutral ground and they are also struggling like us. We are in the red zone now and it is not going to be an easy game. We will go there and fight. We lost at home and we can still go there to get the three points.”

Heartland were beaten 1-0 at home by Abia Warriors on Sunday and have slipped to the 18th spot with 34 points. They will be guests of Sunshine Stars on Wednesday at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne in one of the Matchday 31 fixtures.

Heartland’s Chief coach, Charles Uzor, has hinted that the Naze Millionaires would approach today’s Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 26 tie with El Kanemi Warriors in Owerri with all seriousness.

The Naze Millionaires got a draw in Maiduguri in the first stanza and Uzor in his preview of the game noted that they would accord the Borno Army all the respect but that they are eager to claim the three points.

“The El Kanemi Warriors team are a good side and we have so much respect for them. We are going into the game like every other game. It is like a cup final. We will approach it with all seriousness and nothing short of victory would be ours,” Uzor told NationSport.

The former Heartland Comets’ coach pointed also thumbed up the doggedness and resilience of his players who emerged from a wasteful first half to defeat OISA FC 2-0 to lift the 2025 Imo FA Cup.

Two second half goals off the boot of impressive Surajudeen Lawal in the 67^th  and 74^th  minutes handed Heartland FC their first piece of silverware in three years after the Naze Millionaires triumphed 2-0 over hard fighting Onwubiko International Soccer Academy (OISA FC) in the 2025 Imo FA Cup final played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Sunday.

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“I am so grateful to God because a day like this is a memorable day. I am thanking God for adding a year to the life he has given to me and also giving us the day-the trophy,” Uzor told NationSport.

“The players came in with complacency in the first half believing that the team is no team to be reckoned with but after we emerged from the halftime talk, where we reminded them that it is a Cup final and that they must go for the trophy.

“They came out in the second half and played the game we expected from them from the first half.

“What is happening in Heartland  is a total transformation. The man at the helm of affairs whom I am well pleased to work under today has turned things around in Heartland. I must tell the fans and Imolites to keep their hopes alive because it is the dawn of a new day for the club.”

Heartland received 1 Million Naira for winning the Imo FA Cup while OISA FC got N500,000 for ending as runner’s up.

Earlier, Heartland Queens were awarded the women’s Imo FA Cup title after they won the competition back to back without facing any opposition. They are the sole representatives of Imo at the national finals.

Heartland and OISA FC will slug it out in the final of the 2025 Imo FA Cup after both teams defeated their opponents in  yesterday’s semi –finals at the OISA Stadium and  Ngor Okpala respectively.

The Naze Millionaires bashed Dom Daniel 3-0 through Suraju Lawal’s brace and Tobi Iyanda’s goals to sail to the grand finale of the competition for the first time in three seasons.

Heartland  were stopped in the semi-final of the competition last year by eventual champions, Ikukuoma FC on penalties but the team dispatched all their three opponents: Giant Brillars (6-0), Amanda FC (2-0) before annihilating Dom Daniel 3-0 in the last four.

The record winners of the competition will be wary of OISA FC who have progressed to the final in their maiden appearance in the competition. They beat Captain Marvel FC 3-1 in the first semi-final tie played also yesterday.

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The final comes up either Saturday 22^nd  February or Sunday 23^rd  February at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

In Abia State, 2024 President’s Cup finalists, Abia Warriors will not have the opportunity to have another go at it after they were eliminated by non- league side Ahudiya Nnem FC on penalties 3-1 after the game ended stalemate at the regulation time.

In Akwa Ibom State, Heaven’s Race also knocked out Dakkada on penalties in the semi -final of the competition.

Heartland  Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke  yesterday marked his 54th  birthday  stating that he remains indebted to God for his achievements thus far even as  he  praised the kind of people he had  been privileged  to work with both as footballer and coach.

Amuneke didn’t fail to praise the role the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma is playing to ensure that Heartland lacks nothing in all facets. 

Amuneke, a native of Eziobodo in Owerri West LGA of Imo State, started his football journey in his hometown before he travelled to Lagos for greener pasture from where he was spotted by Julius Berger from a local competition organised at Ajegunle, a Lagos suburb noted  for the production of prominent  Nigerian footballers.

The Heartland players and officials all gathered at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri to celebrate an icon whose sojourn with the club  has reunited everyone  as  the Naze Millionaires now enjoy a new lease of life. 

Speaking at the short but colourful occasion, Heartland ‘s Administrative head, Barrister Nkechi Anukam,  spoke highly of Amuneke,  stressed that what the officials of Heartland have organised was just to show a token of their appreciation to him for the good job he has started.

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She urged him not to relent but keep up with the reforms to transform Heartland and make it the envy of all just like it was previously adding that he should remain undaunted and bullish in his attempt to rebrand the club without fear or favour.

“We gather here to celebrate you because your coming to Heartland FC has helped to reunite the club again. We are happy with how you have started and praying you continue on this path to ensure Heartland FC becomes the envy of other clubs in Nigeria and beyond,” Barrister Anukam said.

“We will always be with you on this journey and we are assuring you of our undiluted support to help you succeed. You may encounter some challenges along the way but remain focused and undaunted in your quest to rebrand the club.

“What we have done today is just a token of our appreciation to show you that we love what you are doing and are delighted to follow your steps closely in your resolve to make Heartland FC among the best club in Nigeria and beyond.” 

Other officials of the club also took turns to eulogise Amuneke and wished him well on his 54th  birthday.

In his own speak, Amuneke thanked Heartland players, who also had some renditions prepared and officials for deeming it fit to celebrate him.

He said he will not relent in his determination to ensure that Heartland  is rated among the best in Nigeria and he called for the continuous support of the players and officials to help him achieve his lofty dreams for the club.

Amuneke praised  the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma for the enabling environment and the freehand to tinker the team and he assures the Governor that Heartland  will continue to improve.

Heartland FC earned a sensational first away win in Umuahia against Abia Warriors; Bendel Insurance shocked Sunshine Stars in Ijebu Ode while Ikorodu City ended the unbeaten streak of Rivers United in Lagos as Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 10 fixtures were played across the country.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors suffered a pill of what Heartland had been passing through in their hands following a 2-0 victory at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

It was the Naze Millionaires’ first victory on Abia Warriors soil coming 10 years after the club got their first draw in Umuahia.

Michael Ogu scored the game’s first goal in the 12^th minute after his back header from Christian Nkwo’s throw -in beat Abia Warriors’ goalkeeper. It was his third goal of the season while Chukwuma Agor clinched the second goal in the stoppage time of the game off Tobi Iyanda’s assist.

The win has lifted Heartland to the 12^th spot with 12 points ahead of their weekend’s home game with Sunshine Stars. Abia Warriors are ninth with 14 points.

At Ijebu Ode’s Dipo Dina Stadium, Bendel Insurance bounced back from their home loss to Abia Warriors with a 2-1 victory over Sunshine Stars.

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Kayode Oke scored first for the Benin Arsenals in the 18^th minute but Sodiq Ibrahim equalised for the Owena Whales in the 30th minute before Anthony Nnamdi bagged what turned out to be the winning goal in the 60th minute.

In Uyo, Akwa United got their second win of the season, a 2-1 home victory over stubborn Kwara United. Chijioke Alaekwe got the Promise Keepers’ opener in the 17^th minute but Emmanuel Ogbole put the Harmony Boys back on level terms in the 34^th minute. Endurance Ebedebiri scored the winning goal for Akwa United from the penalty spot in the 66^th minute.

The win could not improve the fortunes of Akwa United who are 19^th with nine points while Kwara United are 16th with 11 points.

Bayelsa United could not beat Enyimba in Yenagoa as both sides settled for a 1-1 draw.

In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors pipped Katsina United 1-0 to extend their unbeaten record to 10 games. Ibrahim Mustapha’s 69^th minute strike was enough to earn the Borno Army their third win of the season. They are fourth with 16 points.

NPFL reigning champions, Rangers International were truly at home at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu after they beat Nasarawa United 2-0 through Godwin Obaje’s two goals in the 55th and 60th minutes. The second goal was from the penalty spot. The win has moved the Flying Antelopes to the fifth spot with 15 points while Nasarawa United are in 14th spot with 12 points.

Niger Tornadoes succeeded in securing their first home win against Shooting Stars in Minna. Godstime Joseph and Rickson Mendos’ goals were enough for the three points. The Ikon Allah Boys are in the seventh spot with 14 points while the Oluyole Warriors dropped to the 15th spot with 12 points.

Remo Stars recovered from their loss to Heartland FC in Owerri to beat Lobi Stars 1-0 in Ikenne. Michael Ibe’s first goal of the season was enough for the three points.

The win lifted the Sky Blue Stars to the summit of the league with 21 points on goals difference ahead of second placed Rivers United who are also with 21 points but were beaten 2-0 by Ikorodu City in Lagos.

Ayomide Cole with the first goal in the 48th minute before Rivio Ayenwenre’s second strike in the 53^rd minute made the game safe for the Oga Boys who are now in 17th spot with 11 points.

In Katsina, Kano Pillars came back from a goal down to defeat Plateau United 2-1.

 Saka Gafar’s goal for the Peace Boys in the 67^th minute shocked Kano fans but Rabiu Ali equalised for Sai Masu Gida from a well taken free kick in the 80^th minute.

Ahmed Musa got the matchwinner in the added time of the game to ensure Kano Pillars scoop the three points that has taken them to the eighth spot with 14 points.

Heartland FC Assistant Coach Chidi Ike remains  confident  the  club  will soon  turn things around  despite Sunday’s  home draw against Katsina United at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

Despite creating a plethora of chances, the Naze Millionaires  only settled  for a goalless draw in a Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday Three encounter.

Heartland  had earlier lost to Enyimba and Rivers United in their opening  first two games and fans were left disappointed yet after several missed chances.

 “We have done our best in the technical crew to give the boys adequate training and of course, you can see the display of the boys in showing character, we shouldn’t forget one thing that every game has its day,” Ike told journalists in Owerri. “I’m optimistic that these  boys are going to do great things. sometimes the starting is always difficult but the end justifies the means.

“It happens in game even in the premier league, we see big players miss a lot of chances but we are very optimistic these boys will do well.”

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Heartland will be on the road to Ibadan to face Shooting Stars in the next fixture and Ike noted that the technical crew will compare notes on the just ended game in order  to fashion out strategies for  the trip to Ibadan

 “One at a time, this match is done and dusted. We are going to approach them in the next match with maximum effort with the hope of securing a positive result.“ Ike added.

Meanwhile, Matchday Three of the ongoing Nigerian topflight was played across six centres last weekend.

 Remo Stars, Niger Tornadoes and El Kanemi Warriors and Rivers United recorded away wins last weekend in a weekend that produced no home wins.

Heartland FC will commence activities for the start of the new soccer season on Monday, 22nd  July.

The Naze Millionaires will start the build up to the start of the season with an open screening for players who are worth their salt and have what it takes to perform at the highest level.

The open screening that will be conducted under seasoned coaches will hold  between July 22nd and July 27th when the successful players would be picked and will be told to resume almost immediately with the retained players and some invited experienced players to commence the second phase of the preparations.

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The open screening will take place at the practice pitch behind the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri as from 7am daily from Monday to Saturday next week as the club strives to connect with the grassroots to ensure that the best from there that possess the tenacity and hunger to play get the chance to feature for the former Nigeria league champions in the forthcoming season.

In a press release from the media department, Heartland FC disclosed that all the players that have come for the open screening will have to take care of themselves throughout their stay while arrangements would be made to take care of only successful ones at the end of the open screening.

Heartland FC didn’t have a good season last term and efforts have been intensified to ensure the Owerri side return with a bang in the forthcoming season. 

Heartland FC shot-stopper Darlintin Ovunda has said that the Naze Millionaires are ready to face his former team, Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan in the NPFL Matchday 31 tie today.

The Naze Millionaires will host high-flying Oluyole Warriors on today in a Match Day 31 NPFL encounter at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. It is their first game in Owerri since the start of the second stanza of the season.

Ovunda, though agreed that 3SC is one of the most in-form teams in the league but affirmed, that the Owerri side will do their best to pick the maximum points with their fans behind them.

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“It’s a normal thing to face 3SC. There is nothing special about coming up against them. It is a very important match for us and they are a good side,” Ovunda stressed.

“In the league presently, they are one of the most in-form teams. We are ready to face them and hopefully, we will come out victorious.”

Heartland has been granted provisional approval to play their remaining home games of the season at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. 

This followed observed improvements on their pitch after a second inspection within the last two weeks. 

However,  this approval does not extend to the next season as another comprehensive review of facilities at the stadium will be carried out in line with Facilities Criteria of the Club Licensing requirement. 

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The club will therefore host their Matchday 31 fixture against Shooting Stars at the stadium.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) had at the start of the second stanza of the season revoked the earlier provisional approval granted the club. This followed observed deterioration of the pitch.