By Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri

Heartland FC will head into next weekend’s away clash against Gateway FC in Abeokuta with renewed confidence after securing their first win of the 2025 National League (NNL) season—a 2–1 victory over Edel FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

The Naze Millionaires, who began the season with an away loss to Crown FC, responded emphatically on Saturday as Murphy Ndukwu struck just 45 seconds into the match to put them ahead. A deflected effort from Joel Okoro made it 2–0 before halftime, setting the foundation for their first three points of the campaign.

Despite conceding in the 57th minute through Edel’s Obi Emmanuel, Heartland held on to claim the morale-boosting victory they desperately needed before travelling to the MKO Abiola Stadium to face Gateway FC.

Assistant Coach Taiwo Enegwea said the team’s next objective is to build on the momentum and become more ruthless in front of goal.

“We created many chances but failed to convert them,” he said. “That will be a major focus before we face Gateway FC. The three points today were vital, but we need to start taking our opportunities.”

He expressed confidence that with head coach Emmanuel Amuneke leading the technical direction, the team will continue to improve and correct the defensive lapses that allowed Edel back into the match.

Match-winner Joel Okoro also highlighted the importance of carrying Saturday’s determination into the upcoming fixture.

“We had to adjust quickly after losing our defensive midfielder to injury, but we stayed composed,” he said. “The win gives us confidence for the trip to Abeokuta. We intend to show the same hunger and give our fans more to celebrate.”

Heartland players admitted they were anxious going into their first home match of the season due to the earlier defeat in Ogbomosho, but they believe the victory has restored belief within the squad.

With promotion ambitions firmly in sight, the Owerri side will now seek to continue their resurgence when they take on Gateway FC—another crucial test in their push to return to Nigeria’s top flight.

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By Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri

Heartland Football Club of Owerri has announced a major strategic partnership with Dutch consultant and FIFA-licensed agent, Tom Sanders, in a move aimed at rebuilding the club’s technical capacity, commercial value, and long-term competitiveness.

The partnership was unveiled during a media briefing with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, where the club’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, described the development as a turning point in Heartland’s quest for revival.

Amuneke, a former African Footballer of the Year, said the collaboration aligns perfectly with his long-term vision of restoring Heartland FC to its rightful place among Africa’s elite football institutions.

“Tom Sanders has a wealth of experience, and I consider it very important for a club like Heartland to grow,” Amuneke said. “This is a team that played in the 2009 CAF Champions League. It should be competing with clubs like Al Ahly and Zamalek. Even though we’ve faced internal challenges, many of them are being gradually resolved.”

He emphasized that the immediate objective is to elevate the club to the next level, especially with the abundance of young players currently in the squad.

Dutch consultant Tom Sanders, who arrived in Owerri this week, said he was impressed with the quality of Heartland’s players after observing his first training session.

“My first impression was that there are a lot of talented players here,” Sanders said. “Everyone knows Heartland should be on the top level in Nigeria. With patience and the right guidance, these young players can grow into top professionals.”

Sanders expressed confidence in Amuneke’s football philosophy and believes it provides the foundation for long-term success.

“Emmanuel works with them every day. I see a lot of quality and many young players—that’s how rebuilding starts. I really believe this can work,” he stated.

The consultant added that the partnership aims to foster technical development, youth talent refinement, and potential cooperation with clubs in Europe and the United States.

Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, Ifeanyi Dike, hailed the partnership as a progressive step comparable to famous historical collaborations between African and European clubs.

Dike referenced successful alliances such as Ajax Cape Town–Ajax Amsterdam and ASEC Mimosas–Arsenal, noting that Heartland now has an opportunity to follow a similar developmental path.

“We are beginning to do the right thing. This is a step in the right direction,” he said. “For Tom to commit to cooperation between Heartland and clubs in Europe and even the United States shows we are here for serious business.”

Dike expressed confidence that the collaboration will enhance player exposure, technical advancement, and organisational restructuring—key elements needed to restore Heartland’s legacy and return the club to the continental stage.

With the new partnership, Heartland FC signals a renewed ambition to reclaim its status as one of Nigeria’s most storied clubs, combining local talent development with international expertise.

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GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, strategic partners of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mr. Norbert Okolie, Director of Media and Communications at Rangers International Football Club of Enugu.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, Andrew Ekejiuba, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, said the organisation received the news of Okolie’s passing with “deep shock,” describing him as a dedicated professional whose contributions significantly enhanced media coverage of Nigeria’s elite league.

“GTI Group received with shock the passing of one of the outstanding Media Directors of NPFL clubs, Norbert Okolie, who, according to the management of Enugu Rangers, died over the weekend after a brief illness,” the statement read.

Ekejiuba noted that Okolie’s death had created a “huge vacuum” in the football community, praising his commitment to elevating the quality of media content produced for both Rangers International and the NPFL.

“Okolie, who was once the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), carried out his duties with dedication, professionalism, and great passion. He will be greatly missed by his friends, colleagues, and the entire Rangers and NPFL families,” he added.

GTI extended condolences to Okolie’s immediate family, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu Rangers, and the NPFL Media Directors Association. Ekejiuba also called on football fans across the country to keep the bereaved family in their prayers during this difficult period.

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