Heartland FC have zoomed to the Round of 32 of the 2023 Federation Cup following their 2-0 victory over Jedo FC of Sokoto in a game played in Abuja on Wednesday.
Goals from Chidiebere Ajoku and Fabian Omaka propelled the Owerri side to a place in the next round of the competition.
The Scientific Boys were up against former NPFL players but they played with composure, grit and resolve to book a spot in the next round of the competition they won back to back in 2011 and 2012.
The team’s head coach, Christian Obi thumbed up the performance of his players and he challenged them to do even better when they face Giant Brillars in Enugu on Saturday.
He said the players were spot on and played according to the instructions but warned them not to be carried away by the Federation Cup win but that they should remain focused on the task at hand which is to pick the sole slot in the NNL Group D for a start.
Also speaking, the Imo State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Emeka Okoronkwo hailed Heartland FC’s performance against Jedo FC and he charged them to do even better against Giant Brillars on Saturday in Enugu.
He said His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma wants Heartland FC to remain focused and poised until they grab the return ticket to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Heartland FC are atop Group D of the Southern Conference with 11 points from five games at the end of the first stanza of the NNL season. The Owerri side will visit Enugu for a date with Giant Brillars as the second round resumes this weekend.
