BY SAB OSUJI

The atmosphere in Owerri prior to Sunday's NPFL Match Day Three fixture involving Heartland and Katsina United was that of a turning point' for the home side. The Naze Millionaires were poised to revive their 2024/2025 campaign after dropping points in two earlier fixtures against Enyimba and Rivers United.

The youngsters were prepared for it. They threw hearts into it and went Bull throttle right from the off. The fee paying fans, in response to the lure of the new order, thronged the stands. It was all 'reds afternoon'. 

Suraju Lawal fired the warning shot in the very first minute. It took a slight touch of the ball on the near post by a defender for Katsina United to go down well enough to clutch the reccotchetted ball. And from then on, open chances kept pouring in torrents for the home side, eleven (11) of them althrough the 90 minutes. Spectators were mouth agape. They were counting on their fingers the moment the ball would kiss the net. Heartland were in total control, bossing their guests as a master would dictate the movement of the servant. Now and again, time and time again, Katsina United were torn apart, defense ripped open at will but why the goals couldn't became a subject of conjecture.

The second period even took a more agonising shape than the first. This time, Emmanuel Amuneke had changed his team's tactics and their approach in the second half was completely the 'Barca Tikki-Takka'. While the spectators enjoyed their play and cheered every touch on the ball as they do so with ease and precision, the goals simply refused to come. It was indeed a frustrating afternoon!

But despite the disappointment of not getting the ball inside the net for an anticipated first win, the draw brought with it huge positives. First, the performance was an indication of a team on the fastest lane of development. The result would also serve as a confidence stimulant to the players such that could be taken to Ibadan this weekend against Shooting Stars. The young players proved that what they lack in experience, especially at the final third, they have the determination and skill to hold their ground. 
 
Heartland team we watched on Sunday against Katsina United, is such that have the potential to touch the skies given their fast rate of development and adaptation to Amuneke's philosophy anchored on good football that breeds positive result.

The renaissance has began and up next is the expected celebration of victory.