Erikan Francis has restated his dedication to assist Heartland FC regain promotion to the Nigeria Premier Soccer League after scoring of their 3–1 victory over Smart City FC.
The ahead who joined Heartland FC in mid-season on-loan from Akwa United gave the Owerri facet an ideal begin when he opened the scoring simply two minutes into their Matchday 13 conflict on the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Saturday.
Erikan’s early strike helped set the tempo for a robust efficiency by the house facet, who went on to safe an essential win.
After the match, the Akwa Ibom-born ahead, who was named the NNL Participant of the Match, thanked God and spoke about his robust reference to the membership. He mentioned returning to Heartland means rather a lot to him and that he’s decided to assist the group return to the highest division.
“In the beginning I need to thank the Almighty God. I need to thank Christ Jesus that I actually imagine in. Coming again to Heartland to play for them is one thing I’ve at all times had in thoughts as a result of that is my house,” he mentioned.
“I find it irresistible right here and anytime I play I put in the whole lot. What runs by means of my thoughts is that this group wants to promote again to the NPFL. That’s the reason I’m giving 100%. The God that did it earlier than by means of me when this group went to the NPFL in 2023/24, I imagine that very same God will do it once more for Heartland this season.”
Heartland started the match strongly, with Erikan’s fast objective giving the Naze Millionaires an early benefit.
Erikan Francis was once more concerned in a key second within the twenty first minute when he was fouled contained in the penalty space, main the referee to award a penalty. Jonathan Osondi stepped up and calmly transformed the spot kick to lengthen the lead.
Smart City diminished the deficit simply earlier than half-time when Gafar Ojo scored within the forty fifth minute.
Nevertheless, Heartland regained management within the second half when Ali Sunday added a 3rd objective to seal the victory for the group coached by Emmanuel Amuneke.
Erikan had beforehand performed for Heartland below the late coach Christian Obi when the membership secured promotion to the highest flight. Since returning to the group in the midst of the season, he has recorded two targets and one help.
The win strikes Heartland to third place in Convention A with 17 factors from 11 matches.
They’ll subsequent face Sunshine Stars F.C. in one other essential fixture as they proceed their push for promotion again to Nigeria’s high division.
Each golf equipment have been relegated from the NPFL final season alongside Akwa United F.C. and Lobi Stars F.C., making the upcoming conflict an essential battle within the race for a return to the highest flight.
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