Heartland 2-0 OISA FC: Lawal’s brace hands Imo FA Cup title to the Naze Millionaires

Two second half goals off the boot of impressive Surajudeen Lawal handed Heartland FC their first piece of silverware in three years after the Naze Millionaires triumphed 2-0 over hard fighting Onwubiko International Soccer Academy (OISA FC) in the 2025 Imo FA Cup final played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Sunday.

A brace from in-form forward Surajudeen Lawal in the 67th and 74th minutes off brilliant assists from Chukwuma Agor were enough for the Naze Millionaires to wrestle the prestigious title off the hands of Ngor Okpala based club that got to the final in only their maiden appearance in the competition.

OISA FC, the surprise package of the tournament, held their own in the first half, frustrating Heartland’s attacking threats with a well-structured defense. Heartland too, were guilty of calamitous misses until the pressure eventually paid off in the second half, as Lawal finally found a breakthrough in the 67th minute, finishing off a well-worked move to hand Heartland the lead. He dribbled OISA FC Goalie following a good pass from Agor before he slotted the ball into the net.

Not done by the opening strike, Heartland continued to mount more pressure so as not to allow OISA any breathing space and they did double the advantage in the 74th minute with a clinical finish through Lawal who bagged his second of the night from Agor’s to put the game beyond reach of OISA FC.

With the final whistle, Heartland FC were crowned champions, receiving their medals and lifting the coveted Imo FA Cup trophy.

Heartland FC received 1 Million Naira dummy cheque for winning the Imo FA Cup while OISA FC got N500,000 for ending as runner’s up.

Despite the defeat, OISA FC’s valiant run sees them qualify alongside Heartland to represent Imo State at the national level.

Earlier, Heartland Queens were awarded the women’s Imo FA Cup title after they won the competition back to back without facing any opposition. They are the sole representatives of Imo at the national finals.

Meanwhile, Heartland FC will now shift their focus to their upcoming NPFL fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors on Wednesday, as they look to build on this momentum in the league campaign.