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SWAN Applauds Heartland’s Remarkable Return To The Nigerian Premier Football League

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The Imo State chapter of SWAN celebrates Heartland Football Club’s successful comeback to the NPFL.

The Imo State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) expressed their admiration for Heartland Football Club’s triumphant return to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).

In a statement released by Chairman Everest Ezihe and Secretary Tunde Liadi, they lauded the team’s determination, resilience, and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges to secure their NPFL ticket.

The remarkable achievements of the club’s head coach, Christian Obi, his technical crew, and the exceptional management led by Promise Nwachukwu were also acknowledged.

SWAN’s Call For Victory In The NNL Super 8 Playoff

SWAN urged Heartland’s management to conclude the NNL Super 8 Playoff in a grand fashion by defeating Kano Pillars in the final.

A resounding victory would not only establish Heartland as the premier NNL club but also grant them the prestigious distinction of an unbeaten record throughout the league season.

Lessons from the Past and a Promising Future

SWAN emphasized the importance for Heartland FC and the Imo State Government to learn from previous mistakes that led to the club’s exit from the topflight.

They urged the stakeholders to devise effective plans and strategies to ensure that Heartland, known as the Naze Millionaires, secures a permanent position in the premiership, alongside other renowned clubs in the NPFL.

Commending Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Initiatives

The group commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his proactive measures in facilitating Heartland FC’s swift return to the topflight. They praised the governor’s well-thought-out plans and unwavering support, which played a significant role in ensuring the club’s instant promotion following their relegation last season.

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Honouring The Commissioner For Youth, Sports And Social Development

SWAN extended their appreciation to Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo, the Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development, for his commendable efforts in facilitating Heartland FC’s NPFL return. His dedication and contributions towards the team’s success were acknowledged and applauded.

The Imo State chapter of SWAN proudly celebrates Heartland Football Club’s commendable return to the Nigerian Premier Football League.

Their journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and strong leadership. With the valuable lessons learned from the past and the commitment of the club’s management and government authorities, Heartland FC aims to secure a prominent position among the elite clubs of the NPFL.

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Nothing can stop us from getting into Champions League final – Arsenal

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Arsenal’s Declan Rice insisted Tuesday the Gunners are confident they can “deliver something special” by overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital in the return match of their Champions League semi-final tie.

“We’re here to win the game. We’re here to make a statement. We want to get to the final. So we need to be ready to go and do that,” Rice told reporters at the Parc des Princes on the eve of Wednesday’s showdown.

“We need to have big balls and we need to go out there on the biggest stage and show that we’re ready to play at this level.

“It’s going to be the biggest night in this club’s history if we can get to the final. So we’re fully ready to go.”

PSG hold the advantage coming into Wednesday’s match after Ousmane Dembele’s early goal gave them a narrow victory at the Emirates Stadium a week ago.

However, both Rice and Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said they believed they could get the better of a side who have eliminated Premier League opposition in each of the last two rounds, knocking out Liverpool in the last 16 and Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.

“I think you need to have full belief,” Rice said.

“We certainly have that as a group. I think if we are the best versions of ourselves tomorrow night -– and we know we can be that –- there is no stopping us getting into that final.”

The England star said Arsenal could lean on the experience of facing reigning European champions Real Madrid in Spain in the last round, when Arteta’s team won 2-1 to progress 5-1 on aggregate.

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“When we went to the Bernabeu the other week there were a lot of questions about whether we could rise to that occasion,” said Rice, who scored two wonderful free-kicks in the first leg of that tie.

“We obviously had a 3-0 lead but there was still so much talk about them coming back and playing at the Bernabeu and we had not experienced that before.

“But I think as a group we handled that amazingly well. We have proved that we can handle big situations and tomorrow night is another massive step for this team.”

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U-20 AFCON: Nigeria battle Morocco to goalless draw

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The Flying Eagles of Nigeria were held to a goalless draw by Morocco in their second Group B match in the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tightly contested clash took place on Sunday at the June 30 Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.

Clear-cut chances were few in the cagey affair.

The Flying Eagles controlled proceedings in the first half but managed only one shot on target.

Morocco dominated possession in the second half but failed to pose any serious threat to Nigeria’s goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.

With the result, Morocco remain at the top of the group on goal difference, having accrued the same number of points as Nigeria (four).

Tunisia, who earlier defeated Kenya 3-1 in the group’s other fixture, are in third place with three points.

The Flying Eagles will face Kenya in their final Group B match on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

NAN reports that the top four teams from the tournament will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled to take place from Sept. 27 to Oct. 19. (NAN)

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U20 AFCON: Eagles set for Moroccan firepower

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The Flying Eagles will come up against the firepower of the Junior Atlas Lions of Morocco after the North Africans fought from a goal down to beat Kenya 3-2 in their Group B game of the 2025 U20 AFCON.

The Flying Eagles have expressed confidence of flying high at the U20 AFCON in Egypt after they opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Tunisia.

On Thursday, Akwa United youngster Auwal Ibrahim ‘Germany’ was Man of the Match, gave Nigeria the maximum points against the Junior Cartage Eagles, who gave as much as they got from their Nigerian counterparts.

Captain Daniel Bameyi said after the win that they are now looking forward to another win against Morocco on Sunday night.

“It is on to the next game. We hope to win and go top of our group on our way to qualifying for the World Cup and winning the tournament,” the Bayelsa United central defender said.

 

Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu said the win over Tunisia is great for team’s confidence.

“The first game of a competition is often difficult and to get the three points was very important,” he said.

“This will help with our confidence. Nigerians should continue to support and pray for the team and we promise not to let them down.”

The Flying Eagles are seeking a record-extending eighth U20 AFCON title in Egypt.

Morocco fell behind to the Rising Stars of Kenya in the second match in Group B, before they rallied back to win despite missing a penalty and losing two players to injury

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Othmane Maamma was Man of the Match for Morocco to go top of the standings by virtue of having scored more goals than the Flying Eagles.

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