..Confident Team Will Win NNL Trophy
Imo State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development Development, Hon Emeka Okoronkwo has expressed enthusiasm over the swift return of Heartland football club to the Nigerian Premier league after rigorous NNL season playoff at the Stephen Keshi stadium Asaba.
Heartland FC came from 1 goal down to defeat Sporting Lagos 2-1 to seal their NPL comeback on Wednesday July 5th.
Goal from Kalu Chukwuemeka in the 15th minutes gave Sporting Lagos the lead while Erican Francis 35th minutes goal restored parity for the Naze Millionaires before Coach Christian Obi’s Joker, Ajoku Chidiebere “Iwuanyanwu” completed the comeback in the 80th minutes to seal the win for the Naze millionaires.
Reacting in an interview with a sister newspaper at Asaba on the promotion of the Oriental side, Hon Okoronkwo said;
“I feel the same way Imolites feel, the same way the Government feels, every body in the South East is happy. This is a moment Nigerians have been waiting for Imo state illustrious side returns back to premiership, Heartland is back to where they belong” Okoronkwo said in interview.
With the win against Sporting Lagos, Heartland topped their group with seven points and has remained unbeaten in the league season.
Heartland will today (Friday July 7, 2023) battle Kano Pillars in the finals of the NNL Super 8 playoffs to determine the champions of NNL.
Meanwhile, the Imo Sports Commissioner, Hon Okoronkwo has shared optimism that Heartland will return to Imo with the trophy, citing the fact that he has good management, players and coaching crew who can do the job.
“ The trophy will be taken back to the Governor by Friday, we have a coach that can do it, including our management and the government and entire Imo is ready to motivate them entire Imo. And I’m sure our players are ready.” Okoronkwo concluded.
