No oriental derby mercy for Heartland, says Bala

Enyimba striker, Reuben Bala has said his side will not show mercy to struggling neighbours, Heartland in the midweek NPFL oriental derby.

The People’s Elephant are guests of the Naze Millionaires in midweek Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 4 clash at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

It was a mixed fortune for the oriental sides going into the midweek matchup, while the guests piped visitors, Wikki Tourists 1-0 in Aba, the hosts were hit with three unreplied goals in Jos by Plateau United.

Bala said nobody shows mercy to its enemies in warfare not to a side that bruised their ego right there in Aba before coronavirus pandemic scuttled the immediate past season.

“Well, I do not think that will be possible to show mercy to your opponents because football is not a game you show mercy to anyone, it’s like a battle, war, you need to win the war.

“Remember that Heartland defeated us on our home last season and this season we need to repay them exactly in their own coins.

“We know they are yet to record any win so far in the season we are not going to have mercy on them, we need the points more than they need it.

“The clash is not going to be easy being a local derby but by the grace of God we will come out victorious,” said the former Plateau United goal poacher.

Bala said the absence of fans at the stand will be an added advantage to their resolve to win the clash.

“Yes, the absence of fans will be an advantage, fans usually cheer and motivate their team to victory so we will take the advantage to get the desired result.

“At most if we cannot get outright win then draw will be okay but defeat is completely out of it.

“We need victories to boost our confidence and fitness before the commencement of the second round preliminary of the Caf Confederation Cup. We are determined to go far to compensate Nigerians for the failings in the Champions League,” said Bala.

The Aba side are 5^th on the 20-team top-flight log on six points three behind leaders, Rivers United with a match at hand against Kwara United.