Football fans in Imo state and in diaspora celebrates as Imo darling club Heartland football club of Owerri emerges champions of the Nigerian National league after defeating Kano Pillars 2-0 on the final match of the NNL Super 8 playoff finals, the statesman newspaper can exclusively report.
Man of the match Francis Erikan netted the curtain raiser in the 52nd minutes to give Heartland the lead while Omaka Fabian increased the tally for the Naze millionaires in the 77th minutes.
By the victory Heartland are now champions of NNL and has already secured their return to the Nigerian premier league.
Super talented goal keeper Chisom Chiagha won the golden glove of the tournament while Erikan Francis won the Best player of the tournament.
Speaking to newsmen after the game, The Imo state commissioner for Youths, Sports and Social development , Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo said;
“ Like i told you earlier, Heartland has been well equipped by the Imo state government to come here and win and indeed we have achieved our aim. I’m sure Imolites are happy.
Thanks to our sports loving Governor, distinguished senator Hope Uzodimma who came through for us.
This trophy will be presented to him.” Okoronkwo said.
Heartland FC general manager Mr Promise Nwachukwu attributed the teams success to hard work and also Devine intervention.
“ Infact all i can say now is that God did it for us. What you see displayed here is the collective efforts of every body.
We didn’t encounter any challenges because our governor provided everything for us through the commissioner for sports, Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo, so we lacked nothing and that’s why we came this far. Thanks to Governor Hope Uzodimma and above all Thanks to God” Nwachukwu said
Heartland FC is the only club that ended the league season with unbeaten run.
Heartland made the highest points among the 8 teams in the play off with 7 points
Heartland won the best goal keeper of the season
Heartland won the best player of the NNL season
