A late strike from substitute, Onyebuchi Ajunwa, helped Heartland to seal a 2-1 win against visiting Rivers United FC in a Match Day 11 fixture at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Sunday.
It was the Naze Millionaires fourth win of the season in 10 games.
The home side took the lead through Anthony Oussou on the 24 minute before Stanley Eguma’s men replied through Chinonso Okonkwo seven minutes to the break.
In a game characterised by intense rivalry and battle in the middle of the park, Fortune Omoniwari lined up against what would partly be described as his former side, following the merger of Sharks and Dolphins FC at beginning of the season.
Eguma opted for Guy Kuemian and Chinonso Okonkwo upfront, leaving Frederick Obomate and Bernard Ovoke on the bench.
Heartland drew first blood in the 24th minute, when Bright Ejike’s low shot scrambled to the path of Oussou, who tapped in from close range past Rivers United goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi.
But the visitors would wait till the 38th minute to respond, taking perfect advantage of their first clear sight on goal, when Okonkwo gained possession of ball, acrobatically turned and volleyed home.
The second half was without void, as both sides had their goalkeepers to thank for a couple of sterling saves.
Okonkwo was close to putting his side in front in the 76th minute, when he skipped past his marker and blazed wide within 12 yards.
The home side restored their advantage in the 79th minute, when Ajunwa’s clever chip from Seydou Doumbia’s free kick left the visiting defence in limbo.
Heartland managed to keep the advantage to the end, but lost in numerical terms, after Omoniwari was sent off for elbowing Godwin Obinze in added time.
In other centres, Kano Pillars return to winning ways, edging out Nasarawa United 2-1. Esosa Igbinoba puts the visitors ahead on 15 minutes, while Adamu Mohammed equalised for Pillars in the 38th minute.
Skipper Gambo Mohammed scored the winner for the home side on the stroke of half time.
El-Kanemi Warriors beat Shooting Stars 2-0 in their first match on home soil in Maiduguri this season, while Akwa United also defeated Niger Tornadoes with the same scoreline.
Warri Wolves beat MFM FC 1-0 with Oghenewo Uzezi scoring the winner in the 71st minute.
In Jos, Plateau United beat Giwa FC 2-0 in the local derby. Benjamin Turba and Sunday Ingbede got the goals.
Ikorodu United and Sunshine Stars ended their game in a goalless draw at the Onikan Stadium.
The game between Abia Warriors and Lobi Stars was called off due to heavy downpour at the Umuahia Township Stadium with the hosts leading 1-0.
The game will continue at 10am on Monday.
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