..As Naze Millionares Rekindle Oriental War With Rangers
Heartland Queens Fc has sailed to the round of 32 in the ongoing Aiteo Cup after it piped hard fighting Sunshine Queens 1-0 on Sunday at the main bowl of Warri Township Stadium.
A first half brilliant finish by the side’s strong built attacker, Lucky Mary proved adequate enough to knockout the Akure side out of this year’s Aiteo Cup and subsequently propelled for the first time the Owerri landladies to the round of 16 of the nation’s oldest and glamorous football showpiece.
The Owerri side will next square up against Championship side, Dannaz Ladies, a team they defeated 2-1 in the 2021/2022 NWFL Championship promotion playoff in Ijebu Ode, Ogun state, in the round of 16 clash.
The Lagos side outscored their opposite from Bayelsa state, Crystal Stars 2-1 in the round of 32 clashes at UNEC stadium, Enugu.
Aside the sheer brilliance of steadily rising bullish striker, Lucky Mary who effortlessly tapped in an assist from attacking midfield maestro, Ugobest Osuji beyond the reach of on rushing goalkeeper of the Akure side, Heartland Queens have their goalkeeper, Uchechi Onyechere to thank for her heroism for stopping a penalty during the run of play and standing against the forays of attack mounted by the opponents.
Recall that Heartland Queens were stopped in the round of 32 by Delta Queens in the last edition at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, Benue State.
Meanwhile, Heartland FC otherwise known as Naze Millionaires has equally qualified for the round of 32 of the male category of this seasons Aiteo Cup.
The team which got relegated from the NPFL in the just concluded league edged out JM Liberty of Markurdi 1-0 in the round of 64 at the Abraham Ordia Stadium, University of Calabar, Cross River State.
According to the round of 32 fixtures made available to the press, Heartland will tomorrow at the Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin in Edo state rekindle the rivalry between them and Enugu Rangers for a place in the round of 16.
Heartland can win back their fans if they can go all the way to win the Aiteo cup which will guarantee them a ticket for a CAF Confederation Cup place next seaso to mimic what Bayelsa United did last season WHEN THEY WON THE Cup to represent Nigeria at the continent.
The Owerri side last won the cup under Fan Ndubuoke in 2010/11 and 2011/12 editions.
