Heartland team manager, Mobi Oparaku, says that the club is back to take its place among the elites in the Nigeria Professional Football League after securing promotion to the top flight.
The Naze Millionaires were relegated to the Bet9ja Nigeria National League in the 2015/2016 season after finishing in 18th position in the NPFL table.
It was the the first time the Owerri club who are one of the most successful clubs in the history of the NPFL with five titles will be relegated in its 40 years existence.
They are however back among the big boys after winning the NNL Southern Conferences last term.
“We are back for good. Everybody knows the history of this club and where we belong. What happened the previous season was disappointing (going on relegation) but we thank God we are back in the NPFL,” the former Golden Eaglets and Super Eagles defender told CompleteSports at the Agege Stadium Lagos ahead of his team’s NNL Super Four tie against Remo Stars.
“It was difficult for our fans too, but we proved our class by coming back immediately. The NPFL is a familiar terrain for us and I believe we have what it takes to do well in the new season.
” It will sound too ambitious to say we will win the title immediately but we do our best to prove to people that the Heartland of old is still alive.
“One thing I can confidently say is that we won’t be relegated again. We are surely back in the NPFL to stay.”
Heartland will host Sunshine Stars on the opening day of the 2017/2018 at the popular home ground, Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Sunday.
