Naija Super 8, Good Test for Heartland NPL Promotion Quest, Says Obi

Kunle Adewale

Head Coach of Heartland FC of Owerri, Christian Obi has praised the organisers of the Naija Super 8 Play off at the Eket Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom, saying the competition could not have come at a better time for the Naze Millionaires as it serves as a good preparation for the the club ahead of the Nigeria National League, NNL, Super 8 in Asaba.

Speaking with THISDAY after his side narrowly lost to Nigeria Premier League, NPL, champions, Enyimba of Aba in the Oriental derby in Eket, Obi said, “Inspite of the loss to Enyimba, I am satisfied with what I saw of the players. They played according to my instructions to a large extent, but for lack of concentration which resulted to their goal, “  Obi said.

“The Naija Super 8 Play offs is a test run to the team I want to use in Asaba. The tourney just came at the right time,” he emphasised.

The former Super Eagles goalkeeper did not however take the defeat to the Peoples Elephants in good fate as he attributed the loss to some wrong calls from the centre referee.

“ The referee was biased because there were some calls, he made which he shouldn’t have made. There were many wrong calls against us by the referee, we even had a clear penalty which he overlooked, he may have his own reasons but there was a clear contact and should have been a penalty but he felt otherwise,” the 1985 bronze winning U21 World Youth Championship said.

Heartland left from Eket straight for Asaba where they hope to pick promotion ticket for the NPL next season.