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Two traditional teams, Shooting Stars and Heartland FC will clash in the ancient city of Ibadan on Sunday to rekindle old time memories in another high profile Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 11 tie.
The Naze Millionaires are buzzing with the latest acquisitions in the technical crew with the addition of Ifeanyi Nwachukwu (Assistant Coach 1) and John Gaadi (Goal Keeper Trainer 2) and the new order has brought about change in attitude, approach and new mentality aimed at breaking the team’s chain of winless streak.
Heartland FC defeated Shooting Stars 3-1 in Owerri in the last topflight tie between both teams played May 28th, 2022 two seasons ago. The Owerri side had lost the first leg tie played on February 2nd, 2022 4-0 in Ibadan but they are poised to change the narrative this term.
It is on record that the Naze Millionaires have edged the Oluyole Warriors at home twice in the last 10 years. They won in Ibadan on May 15th, 2013 and also on March 14th, 2015 2-0 and 2-1 in that order while 3SC returned the favours in Nnewi 3-1 on August 10th, 2015 after the Owerri side were banished to the industrial city.
Supporters and fans applauded the playing pattern of Heartland FC in the club’s new Technical Adviser, Kennedy Boboye’s debut against Enyimba but the defeat left a sour taste in the mouth of all and everyone is yearning for a positive result against the Oluyole Warriors on Sunday.
Speaking with Heartland FC Media ahead of the fixture, Heartland FC Technical Adviser, Kennedy Boboye said it was painful they lost the home game to Enyimba after putting up such display but stressed that lessons have been learnt from the loss and the players have vowed to turn the corner against Shooting Stars on Sunday.
He said he is impressed with what he has seen of the players and that with more improvement which could be triggered by a win, the Owerri side’s unproductive stint can just change suddenly.
“The training sessions have been okay and the players have been responding positively. They are not bad players but I think they have been running out of luck,” Boboye told the club’s media.
“It was loss of concentration in the dying minutes of the game that led to the goal against Enyimba. We have discussed about it and the player culpable for the goal owned up. Mistakes are part of the games.
“We have been working hard since after then with the determination to get a positive result in Ibadan against Shooting Stars. With what I have seen of the players since I came in, I think there is room for improvement and we shall keep on working hard. No player has a guaranteed shirt. You must work hard to earn it.”
The former Akwa United gaffer predicts a good result in Ibadan and he called on the club’s fans and supporters to continue supporting them while insisting that the club’s present situation will soon be over based on what he has seen thus far.
“Just like we lost at home to Enyimba, it is possible we go to Ibadan and also surprise our host. We are playing the game with great amount of seriousness. I am not under pressure but I want to make sure the players are ready for the game. The game may be the turning point for us,” the former Under 23 star stated.
“They should just be calm and continue to support us. We are going to come out of our present predicament. We still have 28 games to play and we do not have excuses. Just a win will turn everything around in our favour.”
Heartland FC arrived Ibadan on Friday evening and will have a feel of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan by 4pm on Saturday ahead of the Sunday game that they have promised to give their all in their bid to secure the three points against their hosts.
Shooting Stars are the in-form team and are placed fourth with 17 points. They are the favourites to win but Heartland FC have said that they are in Ibadan to silent their doubters.
Shooting Stars vs Heartland Head to Head:
28-5-2022 Heartland 3-1 Shooting Stars
2-2-2022 Shooting Stars 4-0 Heartland
21-8-2016 Heartland 1-0 Shooting Stars
16-4-2016 Shooting Stars 2-1 Heartland
10-8-2015 Heartland 1-3 Shooting Stars
14-3-2015 Shooting Stars 1-2 Heartland
18-9-2013 Heartland 1-1 Shooting Stars
15-5-2013 Shooting Stars 0-2 Heartland
Heartland FC Media
