NPFL Under 17 Youth League: Heartland FC youngsters hailed despite finishing second behind Rangers

Posted : 06 February 2024

Despite losing the South East ticket to Rangers International FC U-17, the Heartland FC U17 youngsters left lasting impressions in the hearts of Enugu fans following their 4-2 victory over Enyimba FC U-17 on Saturday for their second win of the NPFL U17 Youth League South East zone.

The starlets of Heartland FC, led by Obinna Yaryar and assisted by Friday Onyeukwu, put up a spirited performance against Rangers despite some hiccups they faced before arriving in Enugu.

The cadet Naze Millionaires lost the game 1-0, but they scored a legitimate goal ruled out as offside by the center referee.

The Owerri side came out forcefully in the second game against Abia Warriors on Tuesday, and it was no surprise they dazed their neighbors 3-0 in a one-sided tie before beating Enyimba 4-2 in the third and final game on Saturday.

Throughout these games, the name of a certain Mmesoma Nnorom reverberated. He scored crucial goals and was even adjudged the Man of the Match in the Heartland vs. Abia Warriors tie.

At the end of the three-day football fiesta, Rangers International FC, riding on the slim win over Heartland FC, finished with seven points from three games, while Heartland FC came second with six points. Abia Warriors are third with two points, and Enyimba with one point was last.

The head of delegation to the tournament and Coordinator of Heartland FC, Casmir Mbachu, praised the efforts of the young Naze Millionaires and promised that those who distinguished themselves in the zonal eliminations would get their chance in the main team soon.

"It was an eye-opener tournament for us, and we appreciate all the efforts put in place to ensure we were at the tournament.

"We will go back home and take stock of what we ought to have done that we didn't do," Mbachu told the club's media.

"We have seen some of the players that did well, and there will be recommendations to be given a chance in the main team. Of course, that will be done with the inputs of the coaches.

"We were said to be the best U-17 at the tournament, but other factors set in. We thank God for what we achieved."

Mbachu further dispelled the insinuations that the Heartland FC Under 17 team had issues with the hotel they used during the tournament, calling it a figment of the writer's imagination.

Heartland FC U-17 team and their officials have since returned to Owerri on Saturday after they ended the tournament with a 4-2 win over Enyimba U-17.

NPFL Under 17 Youth League: Heartland FC youngsters hailed despite finishing second behind Rangers

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