BY SAB OSUJI

Chief Emma Ugorji, a former  General Manager of Owerri Capital Development Authority, OCDA, a hotelier and Real Estate mogul, has thrown his weight behind the Naze Millionaires, Heartland FC, saying the five time Nigeria champions 'is our own', Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Chief Ugorji was physically present at Dan Anyiam Stadium, on Sunday when Heartland lost 1-3 to Enyimba in their opening match of the 2024/2025 NPFL season.

Despite the defeat, the Nigeria Breweries Distributor said he wasn't disappointed'.

"Heartland FC is our own. That's the only team we've here in Imo State. (Now late) Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu took it up in the 1980s when it was known as Spartans FC. He ran the team for over 10 years. Later, he handed it back to Imo State government as Heartland. Since that time, we've been trying to make the team grow and stand firm in Nigeria and African Football. Heartland is a team to be envied, a pride team of Imo people", starts Chief Ugorji who is a native of 'Owerri Nchi-Ise'.

"But for some time now, it hasn't been doing well as expected. However, we're now observing some positive changes in the system and we want it to move forward. So, I decided to come in, and also some other people.

"In fact, they (Heartland), lodged in my hotel here. Before the match (against Enyimba), I promised them so many things if they win they match. But however, for me, they tried, they did their best despite not winning the game in the end.

"They impressed me, sincerely. They impressed me. I'm not angry or disappointed that lost. Though they did not win, but performance wise, they really impressed me. They played well. I think this is the beginning of the season. Maybe, in their subsequent matches, they will not only play well but at the same time give us the glory that we expect. So, we'll continue to stand behind them and also motivate them".

Players and officials of the club enjoyed an amazing serene atmosphere at the Festats Hotel where they stayed for their concentration going into the match.

Chief Ugorji who revealed he has another hotel called Emel Suites which he said came into existence about 20 years ago, described Festars Hotel as a 'new home for Heartland FC'.

"Yes, for sure, Festars Hotel is a new home for Heartland. I'm overwhelmed. I'm so delighted to see them here and they are highly welcome. Let them see here as their fathers house, their brothers house; 'their home away from home'. Whatever they need, I'll give them. I'll make sure that they stand strongly well. From here, they will go to international matches and I'll give them my own support as well", he assured.

He spoke on the high premium his hotel, Festars, attaches to 'real fresh' and quality dishes, revealing that they do not buy or sell frozen foods.

"One unique quality which stands Festars Hotel out is the fact that we don't sell frozen meat here", the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Festars Hotel, Owerri, Chief Emma Ugorji proudly revealed.

"We kill our chickens, goats or cows here live. Everything we do here is alicante because they are for human consumption and that we value human life and health. We make sure that everything is well and properly done.

"So going forward, I'll continue to give Heartland more support because I wasn't disappointed watching them today. I'm not disappointed in them, not at all, both the players, officials and the supporters because the team prepared well and played well", he concluded.