2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 30: Gallant Heartland Int'l FC beaten in Oriental derby

Posted : 18 April 2024

Heartland FC put up a spirited fight but were undone by Enyimba's solitary goal in the last 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 30 Oriental derby played at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

It was the first time the People's Elephant would record a double over the Naze Millionaires in over a decade, but they were made to earn it on Tuesday.

Ekene Awazie's curling effort in the 35th minute separated both teams at the end of the regulation time.

Heartland FC put in a good shift against Enyimba, akin to their performance against Sporting Lagos FC the previous weekend, and it was no surprise that the club's head coach, Christian Obi, kept faith with all the players who faced the Noisy Lagosians except one, Peters Afolayan, who suffered a head injury in the tie and couldn't travel with the team.

Inspirational Darlintin Ovunda was in goal and he was covered by Andrew Abalogu, Divine Ukadike, Ozor Chinedu, and Nnaemeka Anyanwu in defense while Chijioke Opara (Abonko), Austin Osayande, and Christian Weli were the midfielders. Ugochukwu Leonard and Chukwudi Esobe complemented the efforts of Stephen Chukwude through the wings.

The game began with a minute of silence for the repose of the soul of Bright Esieme, who reportedly died in Aba after a brief illness.

Esieme is a household name in the commercial city, having played for Enyimba and Enugu Rangers among other teams in the top flight.

Enyimba almost scored inside the opening 30 seconds, but Joseph Atule missed from close range in another lapse of concentration from the visitors in the early moments of the game.

Heartland FC recovered from that initial scare to really dominate the game but were unable to make headway in the final third.

The Owerri side was presented with a golden chance to score first when a cross flashed through Enyimba's goal area in the 18th minute, but Chukwudi Esobe at the near post failed to arrive on time to apply the finishing touch.

Daniel Daga tried a long-range effort, but Heartland Goalie, Ovunda, was alert to push the shot out for a corner kick to Enyimba in the 20th minute.

Enyimba got into the lead in the 35th minute after Awazie was allowed to roam through the defense of the Owerri side before he curled the ball beyond the hands of Ovunda.

It was a good piece of individual brilliance from the former FC IfeanyiUbah and Remo Stars player.

Ukadike almost leveled the score three minutes after the People's Elephant's goal. His shot from about 20 yards after he was teed up by Esobe drew a good save from Super Eagles goalie, Olorunleke Ojo. It was goal-bound if not for Ojo's sharp reflexes.

The Naze Millionaires went on the offensive right from the start of the second half. The Enyimba defense was alert to the danger in the 46th minute, while Olorunleke had to be at his best to palm Leonard's effort to a corner kick two minutes later.

Heartland FC players got tired towards the end of the game and thus handed initiatives to Enyimba, but Ovunda came to the rescue of his teammates on more than two occasions to ensure Chijioke Mbaoma had a rather subdued game against his former club.

It was a good game for the Owerri side, which drew applause from the few officials of both teams at the stands, but Heartland FC must quickly regroup ahead of their weekend tie with Shooting Stars of Ibadan.

2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 30: Gallant Heartland Int'l FC beaten in Oriental derby

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