Imo Gov Uzodinma tasks Heartland on reclaiming NPFL topflight status

By Saheed Afolabi

Governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma has urged Heartland FC to reclaim their status as a club in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) from the Nigeria National League at the end of the current calender.

The Naze Millionaires were relegated to the second division of the Nigerian leagues in 2022 and are now in dire bid to secure an instant return to the NPFL this year.

Speaking through Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Emeka Okoronkwo, the governor expressed delight with strides at Heartland FC and assures the team the necessary support to reclaim the NPFL status.

“We are happy with the development here today. It is the wish of His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma to see that Heartland FC return to the premier league at the end of the season,” he told Sportstainment.

“The Governor has told me to inform you that you are going to get all the necessary support and encouragement to ensure Heartland FC leave the lower league. He was not happy that Heartland FC went on relegation despite the huge investment but that the club must show their remorse for the demotion with a quick return to the premier league.

“We have unveiled the quality new players from top clubs in Nigeria whom we know we carry out the Governor’s aspiration to the letter. Heartland FC belong to the premier league and we are certain the present crop of players in the team will achieve that.”

The Heartland FC team has recently signed six players to beef up the squad ahead of resumption of the league.