Heartland defensive midfielder Julius Ubido has said his side will restart the top-flight on a winning note against oriental neighbours Enugu Rangers.
The Naze Millionaires will host the Flying Antelopes in Sunday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 20 oriental derby at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
The first fixture clash between the traditional foes at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu ended goalless.
Ubido said his side have vowed to raise their performance against the Coal City side, aiming at putting some smiles on the faces of their teeming supporters.
“Of course, we believe the way to go in the second term of the league is to commence the campaign brilliantly on a winning note that will pave the way for more victories in the other matches.
“So we are coming out strongly to grab the whole three points at stake, at least, to give our fans something to cheer at the end of the match.
“The situation at the moment is not rosy, morale on the low side due to some challenges but we have told ourselves we must come out with our best performance.
“The encounter is a local derby against a known side so we know only a first class performance will help us greatly in the match.
“That’s the thinking of the entire team - to fight the just battle on the field of play, then turn around to face the management for their promises,” said the former Ranchers Bees and Lobi Stars ace to supersport.com.
Heartland are 15th in the top-flight on 21 points at the end of first stanza football campaign.
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