Heartland FC achieved a historic first away win against Abia Warriors in Umuahia on Sunday evening during their Matchday 10 clash in the Nigeria Premier Football League season. Goals from Michael Ogu and Chukwuma Agor propelled the Naze Millionaires to a 2-0 victory, ending years of Abia Warriors’ dominance over their rivals from Owerri. This match marked only the second time Heartland had avoided defeat in Umuahia, the first being a 1-1 draw in 2014.
Heartland’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, fielded nearly the same squad that narrowly defeated Remo Stars the previous week, with the only significant change being Promise Anyanwu, who replaced Chukwuma Agor in the starting lineup. Abia Warriors dominated the early part of the match, controlling possession and pushing forward. However, Heartland seized the lead in the 12th minute when Michael Ogu headed in a long throw from Christian Nkwo, catching the Warriors off guard.
Determined to equalize, Abia Warriors intensified their attacks with Daniel Ekpo and Paul Sampson creating some promising chances. Yet, Heartland’s defense, led by Peters Afolayan, held firm, thwarting every attempt by the hosts to level the score. The first half ended with Heartland maintaining their one-goal advantage, setting up an intense second half.
Midway through the second half, Amuneke brought on substitutes Chukwuma Agor and Tobi Iyanda to inject energy into Heartland’s midfield and strengthen their attack. Late substitutions continued with Chuks Adoh and Elvis Ori replacing Suraju Lawal and Ikechukwu Mgbemena, fortifying Heartland’s tactical approach as Abia Warriors struggled to break through. Despite the hosts’ relentless pressure, they lacked the precision to breach Heartland’s defense.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Chukwuma Agor sealed the victory by tapping in a pass from Tobi Iyanda into an empty net. Heartland’s win lifted them to 12th place in the league standings with 12 points from 10 games, setting up a positive outlook for their upcoming home match against Sunshine Stars in Owerri.
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