Heartland 1-0 Sunshine Stars: Christian Nkwo’s goal seals Naze Millionaires’ vital win

Heartland FC secured third consecutive victories from three matches after the Naze Millionaires pipped Sunshine Stars 1-0 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri in one of the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 11 ties played on Sunday evening.

Christian Nkwo’s stunner from long range only eight minutes into the encounter was all the Owerri side needed to thwart the stubborn Owena Whales’ resolve in the tightly-contested game.

Before kickoff goalkeeper Ebuka Nwokoecha was presented with the Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player of the Month for October plaque after earning three clean sheets from five games in October. It was his sixth clean sheets from 10 games after the game with Sunshine Stars.

Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke stuck with the players that drowned Abia Warriors with only one exception- the introduction of Tobi Iyanda in the starting XI. The player put up a good shift in the 2-0 away win against Abia Warriors in Umuahia while Promise Anyanwu whom he replaced dropped to the bench.

Nwokoecha was in goal as usual while Benjamin Victor, Ikwu Ejike, Christian Molokwu and Peters Afolayan were the defenders and forming a shield round the goalkeeper.

Nkwo, Ikechukwu Mgbemena, Tobi Iyanda and Samuel Wisdom were up to it in the midfield with Michael Ogu and Surajudeen Lawal detailed with the striking duties.

The match started with both sides running to secure early control of the ball but it was the Naze Millionaires that made something out of the rush period when Nkwo from Christian Molokwu’s pass, scored a fantastic long range goal from the left side of the pitch eight minutes into the tie to give Heartland the lead. He was faster to hit target while under pressure from a Sunshine Stars defender and the ball fortunately rested at the back of the net.

In the 15th minute, Sunshine Stars almost scored an equaliser when Olufemi Opeoluwa’s shot from close range was tipped out for a corner kick by Goalie, Nwokoecha. The former Shooting Stars attacker was given too much room to penetrate through the penalty area but Nwokoecha managed the situation very well to enhance his profile.

Two minutes later, the Naze Millionaires had the opportunity to double their lead when Iyanda launched a through ball into the visitors’ box but forward Suraju Lawal failed to make use of the chance as he slipped while on flight.

Heartland had another chance to increase the lead two minutes into the second half after substitute Chukwuma Agor set up fellow substitute Elvis Ori with a cross from the right side but the player’s low shot narrowly missed target.

In the 79th minute a mix up in Heartland defence almost gifted the Owena Whales the equaliser but the player luckily skied his effort when it was easier to score.

The victory marked Heartland third consecutive league win as Emmanuel Amuneke’s team moved up to top half of the season for the first time this season as they now occupy the 10th spot with 15 points.

Up next, the Naze Millionaires will embark on a long road trip up North where they will face in-formed Kano Pillars in a NPFL Matchday 12 tie next Sunday.

Heartland FC head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke thumbed up the performance of his players and the hard work technical crew and other officials but he insists the club must keep a low profile to achieve the season’s objective.

He said Sunshine Stars put up a brilliant display but that his boys were determined to seal the three points and move up the league table.

“We are all happy with the win and it was a thing of joy that the players did their best to manage the situation despite the challenging circumstances,” Amuneke told the club’s media.

“We will continue the work knowing that we are not yet there. The players and others in the club played their roles and it effect is evident for all to see. We shall go to the next game expecting another good result in Kano.