John Owoeri, a former Flying Eagles forward and one-cap Super Eagles striker, has called on Heartland of Owerri to sign at least five or six experienced players, including quality strikers, to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season and boost their promotion campaign back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Speaking in Owerri on Wednesday after Heartland’s 1-3 pre-season loss to Enyimba at Dan Anyiam Stadium, the 39-year-old, who currently plays for Thimphu Football Club in Bhutan, emphasized that blending seasoned professionals with young talent is key to success. Owoeri, who once played for Heartland during the 2009/10 season after returning from Feyenoord in the Netherlands, believes experience will be crucial for the Naze Millionaires to compete effectively.
He stressed that building a competitive team takes time and effort, comparing it to constructing a house brick by brick. “A good house is never built in one day. It’s little by little,” he said. “But I think Heartland needs some experienced players — like five or six — to join the young players so that such a blend of experience and youthfulness can help them gain promotion back to the NPFL, where I believe Heartland belong.” Owoeri also pointed out that the team must focus on improving their goal-scoring ability, noting that without clinical finishing, victory becomes nearly impossible. “You don’t win a match without scoring goals. If you’re playing as a team without a goal scorer, ultimately you don’t have a team,” he added.
Owoeri highlighted the need for top-tier strikers who can consistently convert chances into goals. He observed that while Heartland’s current players are trying hard, they lack the finishing touch required at this level. “Heartland needs quality strikers who can get the ball into the back of the net. When you don’t score, you don’t win any game,” he stated firmly. His comments come amid growing anticipation around Heartland’s preparations for the upcoming NNL season under coach Emmanuel Amuneke, whom Owoeri praised for his decision to return to Nigerian football. “He’s a great guy. All he needs is support from the fans and the people, and I believe everything will be fine,” he said.
Owoeri’s own career spans several clubs across Nigeria and internationally. After stints with Bendel Insurance, Sunshine Stars, and Warri Wolves, he moved to Europe in 2005 with Feyenoord, followed by loans and permanent moves to Westerlo (Belgium), Ismaily (Egypt), Åtvidabergs FF and BK Häcken (Sweden), Shanghai Shenxin (China), Inner Mongolia Zhongyou, Shaanxi Chang’an Athletic, Beijing BSU, IFK Mariehamn, Bankhai United, and Futera United. His extensive experience gives him credibility in assessing what Heartland needs to succeed. As the NNL season approaches, his advice underscores the importance of strategic recruitment and leadership in guiding the club back to the top flight. The coming months will reveal whether Heartland heeds his call and builds a squad capable of achieving promotion.
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