Heartland goalkeeper, Dan Akpeyi has said his team's Charity Shieldvictory is a good sign of more laurels in the coming season.

The Naze Millionaires successfully defended the title they won last year at the expense of Dolphins, courtesy Chibuzor Ozurumba's lone goal, with a 2-0 bashing of champions, Kano Pillars at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Akpeyi said his side's success at this time of the year against hard-fighting Kano Pillars is a strong indication that the Cup holders will have a fruitful season.

"Yes, the victory against Kano Pillars is a sign that we'll have good season ahead.

"It's a thing of joy to retain the Charity Cup, as it is a reward of good preparations and we look forward to more laurels in the coming year.

"Of course, we were clearly the better side and that explained our hard-earned win against Pillars," he said to supersport.com.

The Super Eagles' goalkeeper said he is ready for the 2013 Afcon challenge.

"Yes, I'm ready to hit camp in two days for the Afcon preparations. I'll keep doing my best while praying I get the coaches' favour this time.

"I believe the coaches are not sentimental and will always give you the nod if you're good.

"So I'll keep doing my best hoping I'll get the nod for the Afcon game. Though it's not a do-or-die affair, even if I didn't get the chance, I'll still keep to my best hoping someday a smile will come my way.

"We're united in Eagles' success at South Africa 2013 Afcon. Though time is short but if we maximise the time available we'll hit gold in South Africa," he said.