As Heartland FC unveils new players
Imo state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma has challenged Heartland FC to aim at quick return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the end of the season.
Governor Uzodinma who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo at the club’s unveiling of newly signed players on Thursday implored the Scientific Boys to ensure they focus on their league games right from the start against Abia Comets next Wednesday in Umuahia.
The Governor assured the team of adequate support during the 2023 NNL season and that he has thus given them the marching order to ensure premier league games return to Owerri again.
Governor Uzodinma who confirmed that huge funds have been sunk in Heartland FC regretted the team’s demotion to the lower league but stressed all hands must be on deck to ensure the club’s speedy return to the NPFL.
“We are happy with the development here today. It is the wish of His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma to see that Heartland FC return to the premier league at the end of the season,” Okoronkwo, the amiable Sports Commissioner who represented Governor Uzodinma told journalists.
“The Governor has told me to inform you that you are going to get all the necessary support and encouragement to ensure Heartland FC leave the lower league. He was not happy that Heartland FC went on relegation despite the huge investment but that the club must show their remorse for the demotion with a quick return to the premier league.
“We have unveiled the quality new players from top clubs in Nigeria whom we know we carry out the Governor’s aspiration to the letter. Heartland FC belong to the premier league and we are certain the present crop of players in the team will achieve that,” he concluded
Some of the new players unveiled are:
Jeremiah Ndukwe (Defensive Midfielder, Solo FC), Anthony Okemmiri (winger, Abia Warriors), Tunde Franklin Oyewole (striker, Sunshine Stars), Onyekachi Okafor (Striker, Alisman, Oman), Chukwujekwu Onuoha (Centre back, Nnewi United) and Chukwuma Nwankwo (midfielder, First Bank).
Others include Fabian Omaka (attacking midfielder, Enyimba), Udeozor Ikechukwu (Left back, Nnewi United), Bright John Chimezie (Goalkeeper, Dakkada FC), Afolayan Peters (Centre back, Dino Sporting Club), Gideon Julius (Akwa United), Arum Chukwuebuka (striker, Amanda FC), Chibuzor Ezeocha (Striker, Heartland Comets), Wohuruche Victor (midfielder, Go Round) and Chisom Chiaha (Goalkeeper, Nnewi United).
Heartland FC will begin their quest for NPFL with a Nigeria National League tie with Abia Comets at Umuahia on Wednesday March 22nd.
