Imo indigenes in Ebonyi laud Heartland’s NPFL return

Imo indigenes in Ebonyi have commended Heartland Football Club of Owerri,  for returning  to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after being relegated to the Nigeria Nationwide League.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Heartland was relegated to the NNL for the 2022/23 football season following string of poor performances.

Heartland, however won the NNL southern conference Super 8 play-offs in Asaba on Wednesday evening to earn promotion to the NPFL.

The team will confront the northern conference winners, Kano Pillars of Kano on Friday, in a champion of champions’ match to determine the overall winner.

The indigenes who spoke to NAN on Thursday in Abakaliki, said the feat demonstrated the indomitable spirit of the Imo man.

Amos Ogbuehi, President of the Owerri Welfare Association, Ebonyi branch, said that the team deserves to be celebrated for returning to the NPFL.

“Heartland proved that an old soldier never dies as Imo football fans were heartbroken when the club was relegated.

“The team’s swift response in gaining promotion to the NPFL gives credence to the old saying that, experience is not bought in the market,” he said.

Jacob Nlemadim, a civil servant, said that the team’s response to the ugly situation of relegation ensured its instant return to the NPFL.

“The team accepted the reality of relegation and ultimately faced the herculean task of gaining promotion.

“Special commendation goes to individuals such as skipper Nnaemeka Anyanwu, other players and officials who did not leave the club but fought to reclaim its pride,” he said.

Ndudirim Ofururm, a transporter said that the team’s promotion was remarkable due to the usual complexities of second-tier leagues.

“The competition in lower leagues across the globe is more intense as every team desire to compete in the elite league.

‘I urge the team to defeat Kano Pillars on Friday to emerge the champions of the NNL and prove that its promotion is not a fluke,” he said.

Betty Onuigbo, a Female Footballer, commended the state government for supporting heartland to excel and urged it not to abandon the team.

“The promotion could have been difficult without the state government’s support considering the difficulties experienced in league participation in Nigeria.

“I also urge the government to check all lapses responsible for the team’s relegation in other to avoid a repeat,” she said. (NAN)