So, someone asked me yesterday why I “hated” Heartland FC. Honestly, I was taken aback. I mean, I practically lived in Owerri during my university days, and the Dan Anyiam Stadium was my go-to spot for everything—Heartland matches included. How could I possibly hate a club with ties so close to our beloved Enyimba?
The truth is, it’s not about liking or disliking. Both clubs know exactly what’s at stake in the first match of the season, and they’ve been preparing accordingly. Unfortunately, Heartland’s preparations took a tragic hit with the sudden passing of Christian Obi, the architect behind their unbeaten run in the NNL two seasons ago. Their preseason matches have been few, but with Emmanuel Amunike now at the helm, Heartland will certainly be ready—with 30 new players, no less. Even Nottingham Forest might be jealous of their fellow red-clad team!
On the other hand, Enyimba has been adding quality players—though maybe not as many—and testing things out in preseason matches. We’ve seen some wins, but let’s not read too much into preseason; it’s all about experimentation. Unlike Heartland’s flood of signings, we’ve been unveiling our new faces two at a time, with the latest being a couple of promising feeder team graduates. Yema loves them young, and we’re hopeful they’ll follow in the footsteps of rising stars like Daga and Izuogu.
Come Sunday, the NPFL kicks off with the prestigious Oriental Derby, arguably the biggest rivalry in Nigerian football. Amunike will want to start strong, and I’m confident that Papilo knows what needs to be done—he’ll pass that on to Yema, who’ll make sure the players understand the stakes. Sure, all matches are important, but some are more important. For me, trips to Enugu, Sagamu, and especially Owerri, are non-negotiable—those games must yield results. Nothing sets the tone for a successful season like starting on the front foot.
To the Blue Army, last season’s away trips were successful, and we expect nothing less this time. But remember what happened in Enugu a few months ago, and how it affected the team. Let’s stay as loud and passionate as ever, but don’t let our “brothers” from Owerri provoke us.
This is just the first half of the season, and if my experience with this league has taught me anything, it’s that this is when title contenders make their claims. Let’s go there and start right.
Till tomorrow.
‘EnyimbaEnyi
