2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 33: Heartland FC stuns Rangers Int'l FC at Cathedral

Posted : 14 April 2025

In a result that sent shockwaves through the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Heartland FC emerged victorious in the highly anticipated Oriental Derby, defeating rivals Rangers International FC 2-0.

Goals from Surajudeen Lawal in the 20th minute and Isaac Nassy shortly after the restart (48th minute) secured all three points for the "Naze Millionaires" in the Match Day 33 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2024/2025 season.

The packed stadium witnessed a determined Heartland side, expertly guided by coach Emmanuel Amuneke, who executed their game plan flawlessly.

Lawal's first-half strike set the tone, capitalizing on an opportunity to put the visitors ahead. Just three minutes into the second half, Nassy doubled Heartland's advantage, leaving the home crowd stunned and the Rangers' faithful in disbelief.

Rangers' coach Fidelis Ilechukwu had made three changes to the starting lineup following their goalless draw against Bendel Insurance in the previous match.

However, his team struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, appearing sluggish and lacking their usual attacking spark.

Despite a triple substitution at the beginning of the second period, the expected turnaround failed to materialize.

Instead, Heartland maintained their dominance, showcasing a solid defensive structure, a robust midfield that stifled Rangers' creativity, and swift, incisive attacking plays that constantly threatened the home side's goal.

Rangers' best chance to claw their way back into the game fell to Godwin Obaje in the 80th minute. However, Heartland's goalkeeper, Kelvin Ogunga, proved equal to the task, producing a fine save to deny the striker and preserve his team's clean sheet.

In a post-match reaction, a visibly disappointed Rangers coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, who stood in for technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu, acknowledged his team's poor performance. "It was really a bad day at the office for us, and we have taken it in stride," he stated.

"We now focus on our next match against Insurance FC in the round of 16 of the President Federation Cup 2025. We hope to give it our best and bring smiles back to the faces of our ardent supporters."

The unexpected defeat sees Rangers slip to 8th position on the NPFL table, now with 46 points from their 33 matches played.

For Heartland, this emphatic victory in the Oriental Derby will serve as a significant morale booster as they continue their campaign in the league. The win not only secures them crucial points but also bragging rights in this fiercely contested regional rivalry.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 33: Heartland FC stuns Rangers Int'l FC at Cathedral

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