NPFL Matchday Two Preview: Heartland ambush Rivers United for points

Heartland FC will strive to earn their first points of the season on Saturday when they face Rivers United in a 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday Two tie fixed for the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.

This fixture produced just a goal last season at the same stadium in March this year and the Naze Millionaires are eager to get on the board with a positive result following their 3-1 home loss to Enyimba in the opening fixture of the season.

The Owerri side urged on by their fans scored first at the Dan Anyiam Stadium last weekend before allowing the People’s Elephant to claw their way back with three goals. A lot of tweaking and readjustment have taken place ever since that fixture with the club’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke making some positive changes to ensure the club makes the needed realignment towards a positive path.

Heartland FC chief coach, Charles Uzor in his preview of the game on the club’s YouTube channel stressed that the Naze Millionaires do not fear Rivers United, and that the technical crew has travelled with 20 players who are determined to go for the points in Port Harcourt.

Uzor who said the Naze Millionaires have huge respect for the Pride of Rivers based on what they have achieved on the continent in recent seasons affirmed that they are hitting Port Harcourt with the confidence that they could get a good result on Saturday.

“For me every game is big as football is concerned. It is like every other game. We are going to Port Harcourt to face Rivers United. We know they are a big team and we accord them that respect. We won’t take anything for granted,” Uzor told the club’s media.

“We are coming to Rivers United game to give our best knowing that we are up against a big team that has been on the continent consistently in the past few seasons.

“We believe in what we have and we are convinced that at the game we shall comeback with a good result.”

Uzor added that it was needless dwelling on the last game result and that all efforts should be geared on the game with Rivers United.

“The last game has come and gone and we have put it behind us. The spirit is high and the boys are in top shape for the game.

“We ask our fans to continue their support for the team. It was a wonderful one here last week the fans came all out in their numbers. It has not been like that for years. We are calling on them not to forsake the team because we shall make them smile at the end of the day.”