Five time Champions Heartland FC of Owerri has been selected to participate in the maiden edition of the Naija Super 8 tournament in a colourful ceremony broadcast live from the Super Sport Studios in Lagos .
The Super 8 tournament is a noble creation of Flykite Productions in partnership with Supersport aimed at returning the fans to our Stadia
For the first time in many years, the fans had the power to choose who participates in the competition through her votes.
Nigerian football legends such as Julius Aghahowa,Tijani Babangida ,Mutiu Adepoju (the Headmaster) Jonathan Akpoborie , Victor Ezeji and Ike Shorunmu were unveiled as mentors to the participating teams.
Deloitte a leading global audit firm authenticated the votes cast by fans for their favorite teams to a live audience and show Hosts Mozez Praiz and the gorgeous Chisom Mbonu Ezoke.
The North Central went first with City FC of Abuja
and Lobi Stars polling the most votes.
Yobe Stars and Gombe United nipped it for North East while the Traditional Kano Pillars and Katsina United got the nod of the North West.
Then came the South East with a highly competitive pool of clubs Such as Enyimba international, Rangers Heartland FC, Abia Warriors and Cynosure.
After a dramatic long Pause ,
Enyimba and Heartland FC of Owerri got the nod of the South East .
Rivers United and Insurance got the blessings of the South South while Shooting Stars and Remo were chosen by the South West.
Speaking after the ceremony Heartland’s General Manager Mr Promise Nwachukwu
Appreciated Governor Uzodinma the Sports Commissioner and the fans for their massive support towards the team.
” We are grateful to God for his grace and Mercy in our team. We are eternally grateful to our fans, our Sports loving Governor and our performing Commissioner for Sports Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo for changing the narrative and leading a Renaissance for our prestigious club “
The General Manager also commended the efforts of the media department of the club and IMO Sports Journalists whom he described as partners in progress.
“I must not fail to appreciate the efforts of Heartland’s media department led by the Media Director for doing a fantastic job of engaging our fans and driving an aggressive campaign for votes from our passionate fans and supporters. Imo sports journalists deserve commendation on this project, they have been partners in progress for the new Heartland . We are grateful “
Reacting the Sports Commissioner Hon Emeka Okoronkwo congratulated Heartland FC of Owerri for making the cut to the DSTV Naija Super 8 Competition.
According to the Commissioner, the feat is an eloquent testimony of Governor Uzodinma’s pragmatic dynamism to revamp Sports in Imo State.
“Governor Uzodinma has restored the faith and confidence of the fans in our darling club through pragmatic dynamism that have changed the fortunes of Heartland”.
He assured the fans of the Governor’s unflinching support towards returning Heartland to the elite division and it’s pride of place.
Heartland will battle Enyimba in Eket Akwa Ibom State from June 23rd for a sole ticket to the Competition in Lagos.
