Heartland FC 0-0 Enugu Rangers Match Report: Governor Uzodinma cheers from stands as Naze Millionaires, Flying Antelopes share spoils in Oriental Derby
By Victor Olorunfemi
Heartland FC extended their unbeaten run to five games after the Naze Millionaires held reigning champions Enugu Rangers to a goalless draw in the Oriental Derby at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in one of the Matchday 13 of the Nigeria Premier Football League in Owerri, Imo state on Saturday.
As a reward for the good results in recent weeks, Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, stuck with most of players that forced Kano Pillars to a 2-2 draw last weekend in Kano with goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha the only new introduction. He secured his second game of the season as Ebuka Nwokoecha’s replacement.
Benjamin Victor, Ikwu Ejike, Christian Molokwu and Peters Afolayan retained their places in defence while Elvis Ori, Christian Nkwo and Tobi Iyanda took their spots in the midfield with Chukwuma Agor, Michael Ogu and Surajudeen Lawal preferred in the attack.
It was a game filled with tactical battles and near misses but there was nothing to break the deadlock in the game graced by the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator, Hope Uzodinma as both sides shared the spoils to halt Rangers International FC recent successive wins in the tie.
Not fearing being up against the defending champions, the young Heartland side quickly jumped into the tie to assert their dominance as the hosts.
In the ninth minute, Nkwo Christian’s long throw resulted in a goal mouth scramble inside the visitors’ box but a doubled save by goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi from near post prevented Lawal’s ball from going into the net.
On the other end, the visitors nearly took the lead in the 20th minute after Kazeem Ogunleye’s long-range volley beat Chiaha and nearly dropped into the net but the powerful shot rattled the crossbar forcing the goalkeeper to tip the rebounce to a corner kick.
In the 36th minute, Nkwo’s trademark long throw once again came into play after creating another panic inside the Rangers’ goal area but the Flying Antelopes managed to mop the ball out of danger.
Both teams managed to keep each other at bay as the first half ended goalless.
Heartland resumed the second half with improved control of the match’s pace with Michael Ogu attempting to break the deadlock for the Naze Millionaires in the 53rd but his tame effort was no trouble for goalkeeper Abdullahi to catch.
In the 62nd minute, a good interchange of passes between Christian Nkwo and Lawal almost produced something. However, the striker had his back to the post and tried a scissors kick that was too high to trouble Abdullahi.
The last real action of the game came in the fourth minute of injury time when Lawal was presented with a golden chance to secure a dramatic late-winner for Heartland but the forward blazed his shot over the bar when at the mercy of the goalkeeper.
With three wins and two draws in their last five matches, the Naze Millionaires are one of the most informed teams in the league in the past couple of weeks and sit 11th on the table with 17 points and only three points shy of the top four positions.
Up next, Heartland will be on the road to Ilorin to face Kwara United in their next NPFL tie on Wednesday.
Heartland FC XI:
Chisom Chiaha, Benjamin Victor, Ikwu Ejike, Christian Nkwo, Peters Afolayan, Christian Molokwu, Elvis Ori, Chukwuma Agor (Samuel Wisdom, 55′), Tobi Iyanda, Michael Ogu (Promise Anyanwu 55′), Surajudeen Lawal
Unused Substitutes:
Kelvin Ogunga, Ikechukwu Mgbemena, Olanrewaju Molade, Itebu James, Chukwudi Agor, Joshua Odo, Chuks Adoh
Enugu Rangers XI
Lucky Abdullahi, Effimi Nsi, Evans Ogbonda, Austin Opara (c), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Ejike Ugochukwu, Kazeem Ogunleye, Saviour Isaac, Kingsley Maduforo, Frank Uwumiro, Godwin Obaje
Substitutes
Kingdom Osayi, Hilary Ekawu, Ikenna Stephen, Chinemerem Ugwueze, Kenneth Igboke, Onyekachi Okafor, Ekeson Okorie, Chimobi Igwillo, Agu Kenechukwu
