BY: OLATOYE OLAWALE
Heartland and Dakkada FC will be squaring up against each other for the first time in the country’s apex league today, in Imo state’s third largest city and cattle transit town – Okigwe.
With both teams in search of their first win of the campaign, the stage could not have been better poised.
Heartland defeated Akwa Starlets 2-0 in a bet9ja NNL fixture played on May 10, 2017 at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri – the last time the two sides met, as Francis Momoh got a brace in that particular encounter.
Heartland will feel hard done by after a stoppage time penalty at Rivers United, last weekend, was first saved by Goalkeeper Godwin Ameh before being retaken and converted by substitute Bright Onyedikachi to cancel out an earlier strike by Christian Pyagbara, saw them drop two valuable points in the garden city.
Meanwhile, Dakkada boys would like to raise eyebrows and cause another upset in Okigwe, with their cohesive, forward-play football which was brought to bear in their 1-1 away draw at Delta Force at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Match day One.
Whereas Heartland’s gaffer, Fidelis Ilechukwu, will be desperate for a positive result in the contest but his desperation may be compounded by a resilient Dakkada FC side who are yet to taste defeat in their last eleven matches in all competitions including friendly and NNL matches.
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The Head Coach of Naze Millionare's, Fidelis Ilechukwu express confidence about his team, that they are mentally ready for today's game and no pressure from any departments
" We have a little respect for our opponent, they are a decent side, they understand tactics, they are young and experienced side, they have unbeaten record, Heartland FC is a big team and second best team in Nigeria based on record, i believe we are capable to break that record created by Dakkada FC.
" It's going to be a forceful and tactical game from both sides, how many goals scored does not really matter, at the end of 90 mins what really matters is maximum 3 points and get our first victory at home to put smiles on the faces of our darling and passionate fans" he concluded'.
Ilechukwu, promised to stick to 80% of the players that made the weekend’s trip to Port Harcourt, will retain Godwin Ameh between the sticks for Heartland in the must win contest in the absence of Ikechukwu Ezenwa who is on international duty while former Dakkada FC midfielder, Chukwude Nwaodu, might be restored to the first eleven for the visit of his former employers - the experienced duo of Chinedu Ohanachum and Tchato Giscard will also be nursing similar expectations.
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