HEARTLAND, ENYIMBA SET COAL CITY ON FIRE

By NBF News

Captain of Heartland FC, Chinedu Efugh, has predicted victory for his side in tomorrow's oriental derby against next-door neighbour, Enyimba International of Aba at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Heartland goes into the game with a boost in confidence after an impressive away draw to Kano Pillars, the third on the road in a row by the Owerri-based club.

'We know Enyimba inside-out just as they know us very well. We do not expect an easy match (tomorrow) but our fans should expect nothing but victory,' the Heartland's captain popularly called Chicago, assured.

Efugh, who missed Wednesday's rescheduled fixture against Kano Pillars in Kano due to injury, further assured that he would be fit for tomorrow's titanic clash in the Coal City. He exuded confidence that Heartland would record another successful season after winning the Federation and Charity Cups last season to break an 18-year old jinx of not winning a trophy.

'I could not make the team to Kano against Kano Pillars due to the injury I picked in our match against Enugu Rangers. But I've resumed training and I hope to be fit for the match against Enyimba on Sunday,' Efugh told League Unlimited in the midweek.

'We know that Enyimba will come out smoking as usual, but all we ask for is fair officiating. Once that is guaranteed, I'm sure that Heartland will carry the day. Our current form is an indication that we're in for another successful season.

'We're set for our CAF Confederation Cup match later in the month, and it's important for us to sustain our impressive performance because that is the only way we can press for the payment of our outstanding sign-on fees and other entitlements,' he explained.