Heartland FC right back, Andrew Abalogu has rued his debut and side’s open day league draw against visitors, Lobi Stars.
The sides battled to a 2-2 draw in Saturday’s 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 1 clash at the mainbowl of Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
Almost a game of two halves, the Pride of Benue earned a deserved two goals in the first half while the hosts, Heartland FC fought hard in the reversed half to even scores in the grudge clash.
Abalogu said his side came into the match confident of amassing the whole points at stake to take the boost to the next double road trips.
“We are not feeling good with the draw because first home match matters a lot, it gives you confidence going forward.
“If we had won the match it would have given us high morale to go away to win but we thank God for the draw, we will try to make it up in the next away matches.
“We are having double away matches at Plateau United and Sunshine Stars,” said the former Enyimba strongman.
Abalogu said conceding two goals in the first half to the opponents on matchday 1 game was not part of the match plan.
“It was not the match plan but in football many things both planned and unplanned do happen.
“The pep talk at match break from the coaches was the magic and we talked to ourselves, too to get something out of the match,” said the former Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) rookie star.
The experienced hard as nail defender averred that his switch to Heartland FC will unlock huge dividend.
“Expectations are high, we are going to do well together as a team, I believe in my teammates to deliver the goods. We are going to excel in the league, and that’s why I’m here in Heartland FC,” said the former Wikki Tourists.
The Naze Millionaires will play their next two league matches at away to Plateau United and Sunshine Stars.
