In the wake of their elimination from the CAF Confederation Tournament, Heartland FC of Owerri have said that they will now have ample time to focus on the local league. The club is also unhappy with its performance in the league and had expressed dissatisfaction over its current position on the NPL log.
Heartland said that its unsatisfying performance and disheartening position on the league table could be as a consequence of its initial commitment to the CAF Confederation Cup campaign. The club said that it was confident of reaching the finals of the tournament before Congolese side-AC Leopard caused their exit.
AC Leopard beat Heartland 2-1 in Congo last Sunday, and qualified via two away goals in their first leg away clash against the Owerri side, which Heartland won 3-2. Heartland which has apologised to their fans for breaking their hearts said that they fought tooth and nail in order to get into the final round but the odds were not in their favour. The club accused AC Leopard of intimidation and distraction through their fans and claimed it cost them the match.
Turning their attention now on the domestic league, Heartland will host Lobi Stars of Makurdi tomorrow for the Week 27 fixture of the NPL.
On the encounter, Heartland Media Officer, Cajetan Nkwopara, told LEADERSHIP SPORTS that Lobi Stars will be visiting a wounded lion in his den and should get ready to be devoured.
Nkwopara dismissed the idea that his side will still be licking its wounds, which will be an edge to their opponent; rather he said that his side will be more ruthless and will not hesitate to consign their opponent to the trash can. He said,” We’re like a wounded lion and Lobi Stars should know that they are visiting a wounded lion so; they should prepare to be devoured.
Some sports pundits are saying that since we’re still licking our wounds, we’ll definitely slip up but that’s a fallacy because it is now that we’ll be more ruthless and unsparing.”