Amb Ogbonna Hails Heartland Queens' Historic Federation Cup Final Qualification

_..Lauds Gov Uzodimma's Support, Imo As Hub For Female Football_

The Chairman of the Imo State Sports Commission, Hon. Prince Sir (Amb.) Eleazer Onyewuchi Ogbonna, FINCA, has congratulated Heartland Queens Football Club for securing a place in the final of the 2026 President Federation Cup, describing the achievement as a testament to the club's resilience, determination, and the growing success of sports development initiatives in Imo State.

Heartland Queens booked their place in the prestigious final after a spirited 2-1 victory over Lagos based Robo Queens FC in a thrilling semifinal encounter played on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Reacting to the impressive feat through his Media Aide, Amb Ogbonna lauded the technical crew led by Coach Obi Ogbala, the players, management, and supporters of the club for their unwavering commitment and fighting spirit in the competition.

According to the Sports Commission Chairman, the qualification for the Federation Cup final is a fitting reward for the hard work, discipline, and professionalism displayed by the team, while also highlighting the remarkable progress made by Heartland Queens in recently concluded league seasons.

Amb Ogbonna equally extended heartfelt congratulations to the Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma, for creating an enabling environment for sports to flourish in the state. He noted that the Governor's continued support and strategic investments in sports infrastructure, youth empowerment, and athlete welfare have continued to yield positive results across various sporting disciplines.

"The success of Heartland Queens is a reflection of His Excellency's vision and commitment towards sports development and youth empowerment. The Governor has consistently demonstrated that sports remain a vital tool for creating opportunities, inspiring excellence, and projecting the positive image of Imo State to the world," Amb. Ogbonna stated.

While celebrating the milestone, the Sports Commission Chairman urged the team not to rest on their achievement so far but to remain focused ahead of the final showdown against Nasarawa Amazons FC scheduled to take place in Asaba next month.

He emphasized that lifting the coveted Federation Cup trophy would be the perfect way for the team to crown an outstanding season and reward the confidence reposed in them by the Governor, the government, and the people of Imo State.

"The journey is not over yet. I urge the players and technical crew to remain focused and approach the final with the same determination and courage that brought them this far. Winning the trophy will be a historic achievement and a befitting appreciation to His Excellency, the government, and millions of Imolites who have stood firmly behind the team," he added.

Amb Ogbonna further reiterated Imo State's status as one of Nigeria's foremost breeding grounds for women's football, stressing that the state has produced some of the country's most celebrated female football icons who have distinguished themselves at national and international levels.

He noted that the exploits of legendary figures such as Ann Chiejine, Rita Nwadike, Ngozi Ezeocha, Edith Eluma, Maureen Madu, Eucharia Uche, Chioma Ajunwa, Prisca Emeafu, Eberechi Opara, Ugochi Opara, Nkechi Mbilitam, Gloria Nwachukwu, Stella Mbachu, Adanna Nwaneri, Adaku Okoroafor, Perpetua Nkwocha, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Harmony Chidi, among many others, continue to inspire a new generation of female footballers in the state.

The former Serie A professional footballer and renowned entrepreneur maintained that with sustained investment in sports development, Imo State will continue to produce champions while creating meaningful opportunities for young people to excel through sports.

As Heartland Queens prepare for their date with destiny in Asaba, the entire state remains united in support of the team, hopeful that the Imo Landladies will complete their remarkable journey by bringing home the coveted Federation Cup trophy.