Non-league side Campos FC produced one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 Imo State President Federation Cup by eliminating Heartland FC in a dramatic semi-final decided by penalties in Owerri.
Heartland FC, popularly known as the Naze Millionaires, entered the fixture still disappointed after failing to secure promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League following the Nigeria National League season. Their difficult campaign continued as Campos FC stunned them to secure a place in the final.
The semi-final was tightly contested, with both teams displaying quality and determination. The match ended 2-2 in regulation time, but poor visibility forced the game to be completed the following day. When play resumed, Campos FC held their composure to win 7-6 on penalties.
Head coach Chibueze Gaptus praised his players after the historic victory, describing the result as remarkable given the strength of the opposition. He noted that Heartland FC showed their professional experience throughout the contest, making the win even more significant.
He further explained the unusual circumstances of the tie, highlighting how the match was split over two days due to visibility issues before being settled in a tense penalty shootout.
Gaptus described the achievement as “unthinkable” and praised his team’s resilience, crediting their determination and belief for carrying them through to the final.
Campos FC will now face OISA FC in the final after they defeated Okpotemba FC of Ihitte Uboma 2-1 in the other semi-final. Both finalists have already qualified for the national stage of the competition, but will now compete for the state title and momentum heading into the next phase.
Looking ahead, Gaptus acknowledged the strength of OISA FC but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete strongly in the final, promising a solid representation for Imo State at the national level.
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