BY SAB OSUJI

Lawal Suraju scored Heartland's first NPFL goal of the 2024/2025 season against Enyimba in Sunday's Oriental Derby in Owerri. But sadly, it later didn't prove enough to hand the maximum points to the Naze Millionaires as the People's Elephant came from behind to win 3-1 win ten minutes following a momentary loss of concentration.

During a post match conference, Charles Uzor, one of Heartland coaches dispelled insinuation that five time champions, Heartland, players lacked experience needed for a big stage showpiece such as this Oriental Derby.

"It's not about inexperience. No player is born with experience", Uzor, a defender during his playing days responded.

"Experience is acquired over a period of consistent training and regular playing time.

"This is just one game in a long list of 38 games. The league is a marathon race, not a 100m dash. Yes, this game is gone, who says we won't get it right in subsequent ones.

"We'll go back, take a wholistic look at the game and prepare for the next game. It's painful losing our opening game. That's completely what we bargained for but we'll get it right", Uzor sounded rather emotional.

Heartland will travel to Rivers Utd at Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex, Omagwa, in a match day two fixture on Sunday, 15 September, 2024.