Heartland Football Club have been granted provisional approval to play their remaining home games of the season at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. This decision comes after the club underwent a second inspection of their pitch, where notable improvements were observed.
The approval, however, comes with a caveat as it does not extend to the next season. The club will have to undergo another comprehensive review of their facilities in line with the Facilities Criteria of the Club Licensing requirement. This is a common practice to ensure that clubs maintain a certain standard of infrastructure and facilities for players and fans alike.
“We are pleased to announce that Heartland Football Club has been given the green light to return to Owerri for their remaining home games of the season,” said a spokesperson from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). “The improvements made to their pitch have met our standards, and we look forward to seeing them back in action at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.”
UPDATE!
Following series of inspections by the NPFL board, and subsequent approval, we are glad to announce that we return to Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri for our games starting on Friday, April 19 (tomorrow) when we face Shooting Stars in a MD 31 tie
Come cheer us to victory đź”´ pic.twitter.com/bExr4PBnFz
— Heartland FC (@HeartlandFC_ng) April 18, 2024
The club will have the opportunity to host their Matchday 31 fixture against Shooting Stars at their home stadium, much to the delight of their loyal supporters. The decision to allow Heartland to return to Owerri signals a positive step forward for the club and its fans who have been eagerly awaiting this news.
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This approval comes after the NPFL had earlier revoked the provisional approval granted to the club at the start of the second stanza of the season. This was due to observed deterioration of the pitch, which raised concerns about player safety and the overall quality of the playing surface.
“We have worked tirelessly to address the issues with our pitch and ensure that it meets the required standards set by the NPFL,” said a representative from Heartland Football Club. “We are grateful for the opportunity to host our games at the Dan Anyiam Stadium once again, and we will continue to make improvements to ensure that it remains in top condition.”
The news of Heartland’s return to Owerri has been met with enthusiasm by both the club’s players and fans. The opportunity to play in front of a home crowd is a significant boost for the team as they look to finish the season on a high note and secure their position in the league standings.
As the club prepares to welcome teams to their home stadium, they are focused on putting on a strong performance both on and off the pitch. The support of their fans will be crucial as they aim to finish the season on a positive note and build momentum for future campaigns.
