Abia Warriors-Heartland Preview: The Naze Millionaires eye historic Umuahia first victory
Another Oriental derby beckons for Heartland FC but this time the battle ground shifts to the Umuahia Township Stadium where the Naze Millionaires would contend with Abia Warriors in a Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 10 tie.
Despite founded only in 2003, Abia Warriors have dominated this fixture but results have improved slightly in recent games especially after the Naze Millionaires got their first win of the fixture in January 12th, 2020 under the reign of former coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu.
Both teams cancelled out each other last season with the Owerri side beating Abia Warriors 2-0 in Nnewi while the Umuchineke side won the reverse fixture 1-0 in Umuahia.
Though it has been keenly contested fixture in recent years but this will be special for obvious reasons.
Emmanuel Amuneke MFR is in charge of the rebuilding process at the Naze Millionaires while Imama in his second stint with Abia warriors.
Speaking to Heartland Media veteran Striker Ishaya Jatau believes the Naze Millionaires will win with a slim margin.
“Emmanuel Amuneke is a thorough professional, Heartland are lucky to have him. I have watched his training and what he is building,” Jatau said.
“All the fans need is patience and total support for the team. With what I have seen, Heartland will beat Abia Warriors by a slim margin.
He emphasized the importance of fans’ support to the team and urged them to always back the team.
“In my days the fans were so good. They had a song for me and most times when they sing it , I will score after three or four minutes. They are so important to the success of our team.
“So I am begging that they support this team. Support Amuneke to lift this team. Like I said before we need to be patient, I love what am seeing and the future is bright”
Also speaking, Promise Anyanwu expects a tough fixture but he said Heartland FC are in Umuahia for the three points and will be ready to fight for it regardless of obstacles they encounter.
“It will no doubt be a tough game but we are going for the maximum points and nothing will hinder our resolve to get it.
“I played for the junior team at Abia Warriors and do not know much about them but I am in my second season with Heartland FC and the experience gathered so far will help me, if I get the opportunity in Umuahia.”
While Heartland beat high flying Remo Stars on Matchday 9 Abia Warriors pipped Bendel Insurance in Benin City.
The Owerri side only point in Umuahia was on 22nd October, 2014 when both teams played a 1-1 draw with Ifeanyi Onuigbo scoring Heartland’s only goal in the game. But the club is optimistic that Sunday will be their day when they will sing the song to their first win in Umuahia.
Promise Anyanwu Heartland’s top scorer for last season has recovered from a thigh strain ahead of this fixture alongside Udochukwu Anumudu but Captain Nnaemeka Anyanwu and Ozor Chinedu are still recuperating
The Naze Millionaires are battle ready
Let the battle begin!
Abia Warriors versus Heartland FC Head to Head Results:
13:03:2024 Heartland 2-0 Abia Warriors
29:10:2023 Abia Warriors 1-0 Heartland
01-05-2022 Heartland 2-1 Abia Warriors
16:01:2022 Abia Warriors 1-0 Heartland
21:07: 2021 Abia Warriors 2-1 Heartland
07:03:2021 Heartland 2-2 Abia Warriors
