Heartland FC of Owerri on Sunday defeated Abia Warriors of Umuahia one-nil in the final to win the Ifeanyi Ekwueme Pre Season tournament.
Ikenna Stephen’s strike in the 9th minute of the game at the Dan Anyiam stadium was enough for the Naze Millionaires to be crowned champions of the 3rd edition of the Tico Select Tournament.
Femi Thomas in goal for Heartland made crucial saves in both halves to protect Heartland’s lead.
Godwin Obaje alongside former Heartland Striker Shedrack Oghali gave the Heartland defense a torrid evening but Femi Thomas kept his side in the game.
Chukwudi Nwaodu, Jonas Emmanuel, Nonso Nzediegwu, and Jonathan Alukwu tried to increase Heartland’s tally but failed to apply the finish when presented with opportunities.
Speaking after the game Coach Hassan Abdallah praised his lads for putting up a spirited fight against Abia Warriors. “Am proud of the boys today, I feel ok but there is still work to be done on some positions”
On the resumption of the league next month, Coach Hassan expressed confidence in his team.
“I have built my team right from Orlu, my team is intact and I have no worries”
Skipper Chukwudi Nwodu believes the victory will propel Heartland to do well in the league ” we had little time to prepare for the tournament but we emerged the winners, it will propel us to do well in the league this new season”
Heartland Scored nine goals and conceded three in the tournament.
The Acting General Manager Mr. Promise Nwachukwu believes the team is a work in progress “Àm excited at the commitment and passion that my team has shown in this tournament, however, it’s not yet Uhuru, this team is a work in progress”
He also commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Hon Dan Chike Ogu and The Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu for their unflinching support and encouragement towards the team.
Heartland will entertain the Solid Miners, Nasarawa United on December 17th @ the Dan Anyiam Stadium for her first game of the 2021/2022 season.
