Heartland FC will face familiar foes, Akwa United on Sunday in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 14 eyeing a second successive win of the season and a third straight home victory over the Promise Keepers at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
According to available statistics from 2018 till date, Akwa United have dominated this feature in the past but the Naze Millionaires have tried to remedy the situation with home victories in the Promise Keepers’ last two visits to Owerri and an important draw in Uyo the last time Heartland FC were guests to Akwa United on February 13th, 2022.
Heartland FC head coach, Kennedy Boboye has remained absolutely focused on the build up to the fixture with his former employer, the former Nigeria Under 23 star helped Akwa United to the league title in 2021 before he left the team the following season.
He will be saddled with getting the right armoury and the best strategy to secure a win over Akwa United probably to get one over the Promise Keepers. Both teams are almost in similar situation and are at the wrong end of the league table following their unimpressive start to the season.
Akwa United defeated current league leaders, Remo Stars 3-2 in unarguably their best game of the season thus far. They also pinned third placed, Lobi Stars 1-0 in their last home game to record their third win of the season. The Promise Keepers’ major problem this season has been their inconsistency. They let in five goals in their opening fixture against Bayelsa United in Yenagoa and also dropped valuable points at home against Kwara United, Plateau United, Shooting Stars, and Sporting Lagos. Besides the draw got in Benin against Bendel Insurance, Akwa United’s away form has been disappointing with just a point away from a possible 18 points.
Heartland FC too have not fared better. It took drastic steps to be taken including the replacement of the former coach before the Owerri side got their first win of the season against Bendel Insurance. They were on two games unbeaten streak before the defeat to Gombe United last weekend.
Speaking on their defeat to Gombe United and previewing the game with Akwa United, Heartland FC defender, Peters Afolayan said the loss to the Desert Savannah was caused majorly by fatigue and exhaustion from the long journey.
But he added that they have since returned from Gombe and have had unhindered preparation for the visit of Akwa United to Owerri.
The former Dino FC of Lagos defender opined that they have put the loss in Gombe behind them and are fully focused on the game with Akwa United, with their sight on picking the three points to improve their position on the league table.
“As a team we had a good game considering the long distance journey. it wasn’t easy for us but still we did well as a team. It was just hard luck us for us in the game. We made a few mistakes and we were punished for it,” Afolayan told the club’s Media.
“As a team we were not happy about the lost but we have to move on, work hard individually and collectively so we can get it right and achieve our aim when we face Akwa United on Sunday at home.
“We are approaching the game with Akwa United like a wounded lion to claim the three points and improve on our league position. We know nothing come easy but we have prepared for it and are awaiting a good game and a home win by God’s grace.”
The game comes up by 4pm today at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri and the fans of Heartland FC are enjoined to come and support and ginger their darling team to victory against Akwa United.
*Heartland vs Akwa United Head to Head Results
5-6-2022 Heartland 1-0 Akwa United
13-2-2022 Akwa United 0-0 Heartland
10-6-2021 Akwa United 3-1 Heartland
24-1-2021 Heartland 2-1 Akwa United
26-1-2020 Akwa United 3-1 Heartland
24-3-2019 Akwa United 1-0 Heartland
17-3-2019 Heartland 1-2 Akwa United
21-3-2018 Akwa United 2-1 Heartland
