Heartland grabbed maximum points In a nail-biting encounter at the Okigwe Stadium .
After a stuttering start which produced two points in four games, the Naze Millionaires were condemned to change the negative trajectory. Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu took the game to the opposition by naming an attack minded team, while restoring Chijioke Ejiogu in goal.
Okigwe had an August visitor in November in the person of Coach Salisu Yusuf who was present to witness proceedings.
Amah Chibundu combined beautifully with Samuel Nnoshiri whose tame effort failed to trouble goal keeper Suleiman in goal for the visitors in the 12th minute.
Nnoshiri got another opportunity from a set Piece in the 20th minute but drove the ball wide of the mark.
Heartland started bossing proceedings in the midfield with some crisp passing but unfortunately couldn’t apply the finish. Amah Chibundu sneaked into space twice in quick succession but failed to hit the target .
The first period ended scoreless as pressure started to mount on Heartland .
Three minutes after the restart, Heartland struck from Chijioke Opara’s long throw . Opara had been a torn in the flesh of the opposition with his hammer throws all afternoon but was rewarded In the 48minute when Desmond Agbekpornu showed his aerial prowess, reacting quickest to guide the ball beyond the goalkeeper before Ugochukwu Aputaziem made contact with the ball.
The goal was awarded to Aputaziem as the last man to make contact with the ball but replays show that the ball might have crossed the line before Aputaziem made contact with the ball.
Buoyed by the goal, Heartland went frantically in search of an insurance goal attacking in numbers. Chidiebere Ajoku and Chinedum Ohanachom were introduced for Amah Chibundu and Akunaeto Chijioke. The gamble nearly paid off, Heartland had the ball In the net for a second time through a set piece but this time around the referee disallowed it for a perceived foul on Kenneth in goal for Jigawa.
The last five minutes saw the visitors turn the screws on Heartland making Some deadly moves to restore parity to the scoreline but Chijioke Ejiogu showed class saving the blushes of Heartland with some cool calm and effortless saves which made it look so easy.
In the end Heartland travailed and got her first win of the season Speaking after the game Heartland assistant Manager Charles Uzor commended the fans for their patience and perseverance, he dedicated the victory to the Board Chairman Barr Charles Ezekwem for his dogged drive, patience and support to the team even in their trying moments.
“He is a father to the team, the backbone of the team despite our troubles, two points in four games and he is still supportive”
The coach believes that the victory will serve as a morale booster and a launch pad for better results In the future.
Heartland will take on Wikki tourists of Bauchi for her match day six engagement .
