Owoeri calls for five or six players as Heartland target NNL promotion

Heartland’s 3-1 pre-season defeat by Enyimba has prompted former forward John Owoeri to call for five or six experienced additions as the Owerri club prepares for its Nigeria National League promotion campaign. Owoeri said the squad also requires quality strikers to improve its effectiveness in front of goal.

The former Flying Eagles attacker made the assessment in Owerri on Wednesday after the Oriental Derby at Dan Anyiam Stadium. He said Heartland’s young players would benefit from a stronger mixture of experience as the five-time Nigerian top-flight champions seek a return to the NPFL.

Owoeri believes the team’s development will take time, but argued that experienced players are necessary if coach Emmanuel Amuneke’s side is to build a squad capable of competing for promotion. He identified five or six additions as the number needed to provide that balance.

The 39-year-old also focused on Heartland’s attacking options after the loss to Enyimba. He said the team must improve its finishing and bring in strikers who can consistently convert opportunities, stressing that scoring is essential to winning matches.

Owoeri backed Amuneke’s decision to return to domestic football and said the coach would need support from Heartland’s fans and wider community. Amuneke is leading the club’s preparations for the upcoming NNL season.

Owoeri previously played for Heartland during the 2009/10 season after moving from Enyimba. His career has included spells with Feyenoord in the Netherlands, Westerlo in Belgium, Ismaily in Egypt, clubs in Sweden and China, and teams in Finland, Thailand and Bhutan. He currently plays for Thimphu Football Club in Bhutan and has one senior appearance for Nigeria.