Heartland FC Promoted To Nigeria’s Elite Professional League After Defeating Sporting Lagos 2-1 (VIDEO)
– To Play NNPL 2nd Division Grand Finale With Kano Pillars
On Tuesday, July 5, 2023, the Heartland Football Club of Owerri was promoted to Nigeria’s Elite Premiership League after defeating Sporting Lagos by 2 goals to 1.
The round of Super 8, which kick-started on Sunday, July 2, 2023 among the eight leading clubs in Nigerian National League (NNL) Division 2.
Heartland FC of Owerri, which was grouped among other 4 clubs came tops.
The Owerri club popularly known as Naze Millionaires won two matches and drew one. Emerging the first by points among other three clubs automatically qualified Heartland for promotion for Nigeria Professional Football league (NPFL).
In her first match, Heartland FC drew with Stormers FC of Ogun State as they played goalless. In the second match with FC ONE Rocket of Uyo, the Naze Millionaires prevailed by one goal to nil. On Wednesday when it had its final group match, again Heartland FC overcame the Sporting Lagos FC by 2-1.
Recall that the Heartland FC was demoted last two seasons after a terrible and lacklustre performances owing to mismanagement and lack of motivation to both players and technical crew.
The negative narrative, which drew so much anger and condemnation from the fans took a toll on the performance of the players, leading to their demotion.
Governor Hope Uzodimma in his wisdom rejigged the Imo State Sports Ministry and Youth Development by appointing a new Commissioner, Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo, to oversee the Ministry and the Sports Commission.
The Governor’s new man’s playing out a a script of positive change turned around the bad situation. He was able to motivate the players, the technical crew and other managers. He also ensured the players were never short changed.
Okoronkwo is changing face of Imo Sports in Imo State and he is focused in achieving a more virile and goal driven teams in Imo State Sports Commission.
Yesterday, Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development was seen dancing and praising God for the success of the Imo Football club side.
With the development, the Heartland FC on Friday, July 7, 2023, shall be playing finals with Kano Pillars to determine who lifts the Second Division Trophy.
