Heartland vs Enyimba: what you need to know
Placed seventh on the standing and trailing the top by eight points, every game comes to Enyimba as a must win.
The People’s Elephant are in Owerri to face Heartland FC on Saturday – a fixture that grabs the headline of week 15 in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
Key Information
- Heartland vs Enyimba
- Saturday February 26
- Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri
- 4 PM WAT
The Opponents
Heartland have experienced a resuscitation since Erasmus Onu was given the helm following the departure of Hassan Abd’Allah.
Undefeated in four matches, Heartland have shown substance in recent weeks; and although their surge in form under Onu has yet to take them beyond the bottom three, the new gaffer has instantly transformed the Naze Millionaires into a tough nut to crack.
Recent Meetings
Enyimba have found results difficult to come by against Heartland since their return to the topflight in 2018. In four meetings during the period, Heartland have won two and the others have ended all square. Heartland’s most significant result during the period is the 2-0 win recorded in Aba in January 2020, a game in which Emeka Obioma netted for his former side.
Form Guide
- Enyimba have managed only one win in their last five fixtures, scoring four goals and conceding five.
- Despite having already lost four matches on the road this term, Enyimba have also shown solidity in away games, winning two and drawing one.
- Heartland’s win against Lobi Stars in week 13 is the only win they recorded in the last nine outings.
- Since the 4-0 thrashing by Shooting Stars on February 2, Heartland conceded only three goals in their next four outings – their best defensive form since the start of the season.
Team News
Findi George has made changes in the travelling squad to Owerri. Centreback Nabil Yarou and Oluwatosin Adegbite who were not listed against MFM are back in the squad, as is the case with left back Johnson Umah and forward Abdulwasiu Mahmud.
Bilal Yakubu and Daniel Darkwah picked knocks in last weekend’s fixture in Aba, so will not be available. Eze Ekwutoziam is another player that dropped from the team.
For the team’s injury update, click here.
Words of the Stars
Stephen Manyo: “Going into this game we are fully prepared, it’s just to go, play according to the coach’s instruction. The coaches have done what they are supposed to do so it’s now left for the players to do their job and take responsibility when need be. I know we will come out successfully in this game.”
Abdulwasiu Mahmud: “With the training we had this week and the encouragement and the support of fans and coaches, I believe we will be positive over there.”