Success, they say brings forth special benefits. And that is the case with Heartland Football Club of Owerri whose historic Federation Cup victory over their more prosperous neighbours, Enyimba International Football Club of Aba, Sunday in Lagos has continued to attract bounteous returns ever since.



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After the triumph on Sunday, the team did not return to Owerri immediately as was expected by their anxious fans back home. Imo state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha had ordered them to stay back in Lagos for a special flight which was eventually arranged for Tuesday, September 27. When the Arik Air plane that flew them to Owerri touched down at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport at 8.45 am, a large crowd including the state governor, was on hand to welcome them.

The state government through the commissioner for sports, Ken Emelu declared "a girls-free-night" for Heartland players "for making the state proud." This was greeted with a rapturous applause by the thousands that gathered at the airport. Emelu said to the players. "there is no law preventing you from frolicking tonight as you have brought glory to Imo State. Go and enjoy yourselves." He added that a lot of goodies awaited them from the government.

General manager of the club, Fan Ndubuoke thanked the state governor for his support to the team and pleaded with him to attend the team's matches in future.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Honourable Ben Uwajimogu who was also at the airport announced a N1million donation to the victorious Heartland players and their officials.

The players and officials were driven round the major streets of Owerri in a motorcade which included the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha who was marking his 100 days in office.

The governor waved to ecstatic fans who lined up the streets, saying Heartland's victory was a sign of greater things to come from his government, adding that the team would soon embark on a foreign training tour. The victory tour terminated at the government house for a formal reception by the governor,