..Heartland Dumped Out Of Aiteo Cup
NNL hopeful, Khun Kalifa FC on Tuesday June 14, 2022 won their first ever Imo FA Cup after peeping Campos FC in a derby final played at the Old Township Stadium, Owerri.
A first half goal from Michael Akanor was all the NLO side who has are seeking qualification for the NNL play -off needed to overcome their rivals in a keenly contested encounter which was nearly marred by a heavy down pour few minutes to the end of the final.
Reacting to Trumpeta sports desk shortly after the win, Mr Raymond Ebede, the team Coordinator said the team has continued to improve with every game this season insisting that their cup win wasn’t a fluke given the amount of work the coaching crew and the players has put in.
“As you can see, the lads gave it their best short and it surely paid off few minutes into the first half and even as Campos grew in the game the players stayed focused and victory was assured.
“I must commend our opponents for their dogged performance and as you know the rivalry between the two sides is growing and for me is very good for the development of the game in the state,” Ebede stated.
The former Progressive Bank libero and team mate of Kanu ‘Papilo’ Nwankwo team mate who a nagging knee injury cut short his career also took time to commend the clubs President, Michael Chukwudi Amaefula who he described as a passionate football lover with a keen interest to helping talented youths through football for his efforts in seeing the team to success.
Meanwhile, Heartland FC of Owerri and former back to back champions of Aiteo cup will for the first time miss out in the Aiteo Cup formerly known as Challenge Cup and Federation Cup.
The team who won the trophy under Chief Fan Ndubuoke back to back in 2011 and 2012 Trumpeta learnt were booted out of the state FA cup even without kicking the ball owing to the player’s refusal to play due to their owed entitlement before they departed for their NPFL game last Sunday in Markurdi against Lobi Stars.
The state will by this development be represented by Khun Kalifa (as champion) and Campos FC in this seasons Aiteo Cup later this year.
