Heartland 1-0 Remo Stars Match Report: Peter Afolayan’s goal seals Naze Millionaires’ win against the Sky Blue Stars

Peters Afolayan’s second half goal for Heartland FC was enough to thwart Remo Stars’ resolve in one of the Nigeria Professional Football League Matchday 9 ties played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Imo state on Sunday evening.

Head coach Emmanuel Amuneke made three changes to the team that got beaten 1-0 by Bayelsa United in Yenagoa. Chijioke Opara was out due to ailment while Tobi Iyanda and Elvis Ori started from the bench with their spots taken by Alex Godwin, Samuel Wisdom and Ikechukwu Mgbemena.

Besides this alterations, the remaining players: Chukwuebuka Nwokoecha (Goalkeeper), Benjamin Victor, Christian Nkwo, Afolayan, Ikwu Ejike, Surajudeen Lawal, Michael Ogu, and Chukwuma Agor all began the last game against Bayelsa United.

The Naze Millionaires showed strength immediately the referee blew the kick off whistle with Afolayan’s head connecting well with Alex Godwin’s free kick in the third minute but Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole did just enough to push the ball out for a corner kick.

One minute later, Godwin would attempt to find the target himself but his shot went wide off the post by only a few inches.

In the 22nd minute, Bankole’s produced another excellent save to deny Suraju Lawal from heading home a corner kick from Ikwu Ejike from close range.

The forward managed to beat the goalkeeper with another header in the 36th minute but the goal was ruled out for an offside.

Nnaemeka Christian’s free kick, which narrowly went over the goalpost, brought actions to an end in the highly-intensive first half.

On resumption for the second 45 minutes of action, Heartland continued their pressure on the visitors’ defensive line.

In the 56th minute, Molade Olanrewaju Ojo’s low shot inside the 18-yard-box was blocked by Remo Stars’ defensive wall.

On the hour time mark, Remo Stars’ Ismail Sodiq attempted to beat Ebuka Nwokoecha with a low-range from the edge of the box but the Naze Millionaires goalkeeper comfortably saved the ball.

The magical moment finally came for Heartland in the 71st minute when Afolayan capitalised on a loose ball inside the visitors’ box and fired a low shot past Bankole to put the Naze Millionaires ahead.

The determined Heartland FC side held on to the lead until the end, securing the maximum three points for Amuneke and his boys. It was also Heartland’s second win of the season.

Heartland FC who are now 16th on the league table with nine points from nine games will travel next to Umuahia to be guest of Abia Warriors in another Oriental derby this weekend.

Heartland FC XI

Chukwuebuka Nwokoecha🧤, Benjamin Victor, Ikwu Ejike, Christian Nkwo, Alex Godwin (Olanrewaju Ojo, 47′), Peters Afolayan (C), Chukwuma Agor (Tobi Iyanda, 65′), Samuel Wisdom, Michael Ogu (Promise Anyanwu, 87′), Ikechukwu Mgbemena (Elvis Ori, 61′), Surajudeen Lawal (Joshua Odo, 87′)

Unused Substitutes

Kelvin Ogunga🧤, Chuks Adoh, Charles Emmanuel, Itebu James.

Technical Manager: Emmanuel Amuneke

Yellow Card: Alex Godwin, 34′

Goal: Peters Afolayan, 71′

Remo Stars Starting XI:

Bankole Kayode 🧤, Nduka Junior (C), Nworie Fabian, Ismaila Souley, Ismail Sodiq (Akanni Qudus, 63′), Fatokun Babajide, Faisal Sani (Thankgod Ikeagwu, 63′), Adedayo Olamilekan, Ibe Michael (Haruna Hadi, 73′), Mawuena Franck (Peter Onuoha, 19′), Dela Akorli (Sikiru Alimi, 83′)

Unused Substitutes
Edafe Vincent, Nwaeze Boniface, Nwokeji Chiemeka, Haruna Hadi, Tochukwu Michael.

Head coach: Daniel Ogunmodede

Yellow card: Olamilekan Adedayo, 35′