Imo SWAN charges Heartland FC to grab NPFL ticket

Imo Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has charged Heartland Football Club of Owerri to go for a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ticket at the upcoming Nigeria National League Super 8 Tournament.

This is contained in a press release co-signed by the SWAN Chairman, Everest Ezihe, and Secretary, Tunde Liadi.

Our correspondent reports that the NNL Super 8 tournament will hold from July 2 to July 9 in Asaba, Delta.

Heartland FC qualified for the Super 8 in grand style from the Southern Conference, Group B4, without losing any of their 10 games.

SWAN commended the decision of Heartland FC management to camp the team in Eket for some days before their Naija Super 8 zonal playoff tie with Enyimba FC which they narrowly lost by a lone goal to their South-East neighbours.

The association said that although Heartland FC were beaten in Eket in the zonal playoff, the world witnessed the club’s enterprising display and the fact that despite playing in the lower league, NPFL reigning champions, Enyimba, were only lucky to beat them.

“SWAN also commended the decision of the club to move straight to Asaba for further close camping from last Sunday after the Naija Super 8 zonal playoff.

“We advise Heartland FC players and officials not to be carried away by their regular season unbeaten streak but to work harder to ensure that they return to the top flight where they truly belong.

“We commend the untiring effort of the Gov. Hope Uzodinma-led Imo Government, through the State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mr Emeka Okoronkwo, for helping to lead Heartland FC promotion back to the NPFL with less distractions,“ he said.

Our correspondent also reports that Heartland FC will slug it out with FC One Rockets, Abeokuta Stormers, Sporting Lagos, Katsina United, Kano Pillars, EFCC and DMD FC in the race to pick one of the four NPFL tickets at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.