Heartland FC gain promotion to NPFL

Heartland FC

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.

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.