Heartland FC have secured promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after just one season in the second tier.
the five-time Nigerian champions were one of two teams never to suffer relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL).
However, that 40-year-old record came to an end in the 2015/16 season when they finished in 18th position.
The Nazi Millionaires promised their fans a swift return to the elite division, which they have achieved with aplomb.
Heartland led the pack in the Southern Conference from matchday one and needed just a single point going into the final fixture away at First Bank on Wednesday.
And the Owerri-based side scooped more than a point in Lagos, defeating their host 1-0.
Okoro Ndukwe broke the deadlock after 32 minutes with a beautiful stunner.
WE’VE BEEN PROMOTED!!! ?
Just one year away and #HeartlandIsBack to the #NPFL pic.twitter.com/jzbQAqh7uh
— Heartland FC (@HeartlandFC_ng) October 11, 2017
We promised we were just going on a 1-year vacation & WE KEPT TO OUR PROMISE
Goodbye @nnationalleague
Hello @LMCNPFL , #HeartlandIsBack ? pic.twitter.com/woiEDcLWAu— Heartland FC (@HeartlandFC_ng) October 11, 2017
The victory means Heartland garnered an unbelievable 60 points from 31 games.
They thus join Kwara United and Yobe Desert Stars from the Northern Conference.
