By Chigozie Chukwuleta
Few hours to Sunday’s first leg encounter of the CAF Champions League final involving Heartland of Nigeria and TP Mazembe, the host city has been enveloped by anxiety and high euphoria following fans hope that this is the best time for Nigeria to win the trophy.
The Imo state commissioner for Sports, chief Tony Uzoukwu in his reaction africansportsdigest.com enquiries said the state is highly expectant considering the level of preparation of the team for the match.
“Nigerians especially Imo state people are waiting to see their own Heartland repeat the feat achieved by Enyimba few years ago. Everything is in place; the players are prepared and are fully motivated. I can assure Nigerians that for Heartland to get this far, they will not disappoint us, the cup surely will come to Nigeria”.
“The players are in one spirit and have promised to put in their best here in Nigeria to make the second leg a formality. We do count on them knowing what they’ve done in the past. From the start of this championship, they have shown commitment and hard work. At this moment I know they will keep their promise,” Uzoukwu added.
Also in a phone chat with africansportsdigest.com former Chief Executive Officer of Team Nigeria, Suleiman Baba expressed optimism that the Owerri-based team will make Nigeria proud; “So far they have done well, represented Nigeria well. They have given us the hope and I am confident they will do well to the end.”
According to him, with all the disappointment with the Super Eagles and U-20, Heartland have the key to give the country a new lease of hope that Nigerian football is not dying after all.
He advised the Naze Millionaires not to underrate or overate their opponents but just go into the pitch, play their normal attacking game and bring good victory to Nigerians.