Crown FC of Ogbomosho will virtually be counting on the spirit of their late driver to guide the squad to victory against Heartland of Owerri on the opening day of the new season in the second-tier Nigeria National League (NNL).
Sports247 reports that, although the Oyo State-owned outfit will be the away team during the game that is expected to be watched by many dignitaries at Dan Anyiam Stadium, they are already in town with thoughts of an upset.
Read Also: Crown FC Of Ogbomosho Receive Several Sympathy Messages, Following Accident Involving Team Bus | Sports247 Nigeria
The players would be spurred even further in search of a symbolic win in memory of the bus driver, who died after an accident that occurred on Octover 15th while taking the team to Ijebu-Ode for a pre-season competition.
Having eventually withdrawn from that competition in honour of the deceased, Crown are now set to play their first major match since that ugly setback earlier this month and their target is to end Sunday’s game on a befitting note in his memory.
However, it will not be a stroll in the park, as Heartland want a winning start to the NNL’s 2026/2027 season, especially as they will play in front of their fans, Imo State top brass and football egg heads from all across Nigeria.
A super preview by NNL’s media unit noted in part, “The Conference A encounter, scheduled for 4pm at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, has attracted some of the biggest names, with top officials of the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation expected.
“For Heartland, the encounter goes beyond the battle for three points. It marks the beginning of a crucial campaign to secure a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
“Head Coach Emmanuel Amuneke acknowledged that Crown FC will pose a stern challenge but insists his team is prepared for the task. He has also called on well-meaning individuals and supporters to rally behind The Naze Millionaires.
“For visitors Crown FC of Ogbomoso, the encounter comes against the backdrop of the recent loss of their team driver. However, the Ajilete Warriors remain focused on the task ahead.
“Their Head Coach, Fatai Akande, has assured supporters that his side is determined to secure a positive result in Owerri (and) all is set for a memorable opening to the 2026/2027 NNL season.”
.){kind=link}