Heartland ‘keeper Ezenwa insists NPFL race is still wide open

Heartland goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa has said the ongoing league is still wide open to all the campaigners.

The Naze Millionaires are 13th on the 20-team first tier log on 25 points 24 behind league leaders, Plateau United with 13 matches left on the season’s calendar.

The top-flight and other leagues in Nigeria are on suspension due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Ezenwa said his teammates are not happy with their placement on the league log and have vowed to go the extra mile in order to change the fortune of the Owerri side whenever the league restarts.

“Nobody is comfortable with the team’s position on the league table even though we all agreed that the league is still wide open to virtually all the teams.

“We have resolved within ourselves to work harder in order to push up our fortune to the top five on the log.

“We understand that it will not be an easy task given the stiff challenges already witnessed among the entire teams.

“Of course, we have our peculiar challenges. We have also told ourselves we would not want to be disturbed or distracted any further but keep focus on finishing the season on high.

“We have advantage over some of our challengers as most of them have enjoyed their double home games unlike us.

“We are not resting our whole hopes on the double home matches to achieve our goals but to go out as well to earn some away points.

“I’m sure with more hard work and determination we will be able to achieve the mark we set for ourselves in the remaining matches,” said the Super Eagles shot-stopper.

Ezenwa described the COVID-19 forced break as tough but insisted that he is doing everything within his power to stay fit for the reminder of the league season.

“Nobody expected the forced holiday as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s not easy coping with the new life style of staying indoors and doing nothing. I think it’s tougher with the singles among us.

“Well, they say health is wealth and as it stands at the moment there is nothing anyone can do than to comply with the health directives.

“I try to keep myself fit but not the same as when you are actively playing matches regularly.

“I try to make up for the sit-at-home period with my personal gym equipment in the house, I train with the equipment to keep fit so that I will hit the ground running when the league restarts,” said the former FC Ifeanyiubah and Enyimba goaltender.

Heartland will restart the league with Matchday 26 clash at home against visitors, Wikki Tourists.