It was great feeling at Heartland FC last Wednesday when they won their first game after eight games winless streak with the 2-0 home win over Abia Warriors in Awka but the Naze Millionaires are already in Port Harcourt for the Sunday’s afternoon fixture with Rivers United brimming with confidence.
Rivers United have dominated the past six fixtures from 2020 till date with three wins, two draws and a loss but the Naze Millionaires have scored in their last two visits to Port Harcourt even though they eventually lost both games 3-1.
Both teams settled for a 1-1 in the first leg played in Owerri in November last year. The stakes are high this term with a much improved Heartland FC side coming to town to face the CAF Confederation Cup quarter finalists.
Heartland FC Head coach, Christian Obi will play the game without Andrew Abalogu who will serve the first of his two games suspension in the game with Rivers United having received a red card against Abia Warriors.
Obi who was speaking with journalists after the home win with Abia Warriors opined that Heartland FC will visit Port Harcourt with the determination to get another positive result.
He said he expects his players to step up their game against the 2022 League champions and surprise their host on Sunday.
“We are looking forward to a good result in Port Harcourt because we know that the jinx has been broken,” Obi told journalists.
“The boys will go for the game with that mentality and are hopeful of getting a good result.”
Another person speaking ahead of the fixture is Malachi Ohawume who was until last season a player of Rivers United before he left for Enugu Rangers and now with Heartland FC.
Ohawume recalled the wonderful experience he had with the Pride of Rivers but stressed that he would set that aside on Sunday if he makes the team to the game.
“I do not have any revenge on my mind at all ahead of the game on Sunday. I had wonderful years with Rivers United and I had no regrets at all,” Ohawume said.
“It is my desire to be part of the players for this trip. Heartland FC is my club now and I must do everything to protect the team.”
*Rivers United vs Heartland FC Head to Head Results*
02-11-23 Heartland 1-1 Rivers United
14-5-22 Heartland 2-0 Rivers United
24-01-22 Rivers United 3-1 Heartland
06-06-21 Heartland 2-2 Rivers United
17-01-21 Rivers United 3-1 Heartland
01-03-20 Heartland 0-2 Rivers United
