Heartland 1-0 Lobi Stars: John Bassey’s solitary strike hands the Naze Millionaires crucial home win

A resilient Heartland FC did just enough to record their first win of the second round at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri following a 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars on Sunday.

The game, the reverse fixture of the Matchday 19 played in Lafia, last month which ended goalless, this term was settled by John Bassey’s 57th minute strike following a ferocious cross from the left flank by stand-in captain, Chijioke Opara.

Heartland FC’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke retained Kelvin Ogunga in goal while Opara, Ikwu Ejike, Christian Molokwu and Chinedu Ozor formed a shield around him in the defence.

Anthony Omaka, defensive midfielder, bagged his debut after his unveiling as a player of the Naze Millionaires earlier on Sunday while Emmanuel Charles, Tobi Iyanda and Promise Anyanwu held forth in midfield to complement the former Sunshine Stars, Enyimba and ASVO FC of Benin Republic anchorman.

Surajudeen Lawal and Bassey were the attackers.

Shortly before the commencement of the game, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Imo Chapter led by its Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka presented the Imo SWAN Heartland FC Player of the Month for December, 2024 to Christian Molokwu.

There was also a minute silent observed shortly before kick off in loving memory of former Chairman, Heartland FC Columbia Supporters Club, Mr. Emeyonu also known as Darkness who died recently after a brief illness.

Heartland had the chances to be in the ascendancy especially Bassey’s acrobatic shot in the 11th minute which was destined for the net but was prevented on the goalline from a Lobi Stars’ defender, Sunday Chinedu’s header.

Lobi Stars went on the offensive two minutes later from Eru Jackson’s free kick and Heartland FC were lucky to be saved by the woodwork following a free header from the set piece which evaded the Naze Millionaires’ defenders and Goalie, Ogunga who was virtually a spectator for the most part of the first half.

The moment of truth finally came in the 57th minute when Opara’s corner kick was headed into the net by Bassey who was at the back post to apply the finish after Lobi Stars Goalkeeper, Japhet Opubo failed to get his grip on the ball.

Lobi Stars sent men forward in search of the equaliser but Heartland’s defence led by Ozor and stand-in captain, Opara stood firm to repel it as the crucial win takes them to the 11th spot with 25 points from 20 games.

Speaking after the game, the Technical Manager, Heartland FC, Emmanuel Amuneke praised his players for ensuring that the maximum points are got and he charged them to continue to improve in subsequent games.

He stated that Lobi Stars came prepared and he thumbed up the work of his former teammate, Daniel Amokachi who led the Pride of Benue to the game adding that the team would get it right if they do not relent.

The Owerri side will face Enyimba on Thursday in an Oriental derby which the People’s Elephant won 3-1 in the first game of the season in September last year.