Abia Warriors Okike's early strike stops spirited Naze Millionaires

Posted : 30 October 2023

Heartland FC delivered a commendable performance worthy of, at the very least, a share of the spoils. However, it ended in yet another disappointing 1-0 away defeat in Umuahia to Abia Warriors in a Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 5 game played on Sunday.

The sole goal of the game was scored in the 8th minute of the encounter after the Naze Millionaires' goalkeeper, Emmanuel Iwu, failed to secure the ball firmly, thus giving Meme Okike the opportunity to slot the ball home.

The buildup to the Oriental derby encounter focused on both teams' managers: Erasmus Onuh Olottah, who was with the Owerri side before the beginning of the last season, and Christian Obi, who guided Heartland FC's return to the topflight.

As soon as the center referee signaled the start of the hostilities in Umuahia, it became a different game altogether.

Recognizing the importance of the game, Obi made six significant changes to the team that struggled to a 1-1 draw against Katsina United at home.

Emmanuel Iwu was chosen as the goalkeeper instead of the previous number one, Chisom Chiaha. Iwu made his second debut for the five-time league champions, having left them for Akwa United in 2016. He faced Abia Warriors, the same club he was with last season.

Andrew Abalogu, Chukwuma Nwankwo, Peter Afolayan, and Samuel Stone were included in the starting eleven, replacing Divine Ukadike, Izuchukwu Abugu, Fabian Omaka, Ezekiel Bassey, and Ori Elvis, while Prince Onuoha made his debut for the club.

The home team initiated the first real attack after some cautious early exchanges, resulting in Okike finding the back of the net in the eighth minute.

Heartland FC had a chance to equalize moments later through Onuoha, whose debut could have sparked wild celebrations when he had the opportunity to score in the 17th minute. However, he inexplicably fired wide from close range. It turned out to be the visitors' best chance of the game.

Chidiebere Ajoku replaced Onuoha in the 48th minute, and in the 65th minute, Chijioke Opara, Fabian Omaka, and Patrick Nwogbaga were introduced to inject more urgency and bite into Heartland FC's attack. Still, the home team held onto their 1-0 lead with determination.

Abia Warriors had a chance to double their lead late in the game, but Iwu redeemed himself by denying his former team another goal.

Heartland FC finished the game strongly, but there was not enough firepower in the final third to complement all the hard work. The referee signaled the end of the game after an exhilarating 94 minutes of action.

The Naze Millionaires must put the loss in Umuahia behind them as they face a critical match against Rivers United in Owerri next Wednesday.

Abia Warriors Okike's early strike stops spirited Naze Millionaires

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