Shedrack Oghali was the star performer as his brace on matchday ensured Heartland FC were denied maximum points in Owerri.
Oghali brilliantly struck effort in both halves helped Rivers United rescue a share of the spoils at Heartland in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.
The striker-fired home in the 45th and 62nd minute to peg back the hosts in an exciting contest decided at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
Heartland FC goals were scored by Chijoke Akuneto and Chukwudi Nwaodu in the 41st and 53rd minute of the match.
It was a pulsating contest that ebbed and flowed; a wonderful advert for the Nigeria Professional Football League.
The technical manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma admitted that his side prepared to win but they are happy with what they have achieved.
“It was a very good game, even though we planned to get the three points here but we thank God for the one point we got. Heartland put up a very good effort and we commend them for that too. ” Eguma said in a chat with our official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
“We knew it was going to be a very tough game considering the fact that the league has come to the crucial stage. Every point is very vital now so I wasn’t surprised by the TV way it happened. I commend my players for their effort, you know we fought. The second goal that came, my goalkeeper had an injury and if he had fallen and signaled to the referee, the referee would have been able to stop the game before that kick was taken but it was a mistake on his part and I think it’s part of the game.”
“Heartland team is a good team but you know this is a local derby. Heartland Rivers United always a local derby you expect the best and some of the players that we paraded were players that had played in Heartland before. You could also see some players that played in Rivers United paraded in the Heartland squad. So it is always like that. Every player will want to play against his former team so I think we enjoyed our performance today.’
WHAT THIS MEANS
Rivers United are in fifth place on the NPFL standings with 42 points from 25 matches while Heartland now sits in eleventh place on the log with 35 points from 25 games.
NEXT
Rivers United will host Kano Pillars on Wednesday 9th June 2021 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
