Heartland swim deeper in relegation waters
H@jide_olusola eartland FC of Owerri have remained rooted at the bottom of the Nigeria Professional Football League following a 1-1 draw with Kano Pillars at the Dan Anyiam stadium yesterday evening.
The Naze Millionaires as they are also known in Matchday 20 of the season came out blazing with the sole aim to revive their wobbling season with a goal in the 27th minute through Okechukwu Nwadike’s volley after Nnaemeka Anyanwu’s headed clearance fell to him.
After the setback, Pillars, a four-time Nigerian champion gradually came into the game, and in the 38th minute, Pillars’ Auwalu Ali missed a glaring sitter from 6 yards. The first half ended with no clear chances from both teams.
The second half started frantically with Heartland’s Ike ThankGod stopping the league’s leading goal scorer, Junior Lokosa from getting a goal by literally throwing himself to block his shot as the away side began to pile pressure on their host.
However, in the 61st minutes, Nyima Nwagua tore open the Heartland’s defence with mesmerizing runs into the box before picking his spot to beat goalie Obi for Pillars’ equalizer.
Expectedly, in a bid to get a winning goal, Lokosa who happens to be on goal drought was taken off and replaced by Gambo while Heartland sent on Emariojake for Onwuebuchi.
With this result, Heartland are 20th of the league table after losing their ninth match of the season with 16 points and 20th on the league table while Pillars remain second with 32 points.
Results from other matches show that Wikki Tourist held Enugu Rangers to a 1-1 draw while Nasarawa United showed supremacy over El-Kanemi Warriors defeating them 2-0.
MFM FC brought huge relief and smile to their fans after defeating Niger Tornadoes 3-0, while league leaders, Lobi Stars dimmed Sunshine stars 1-0 in Makurdi.
Kwara United humbled Yobe Desert Stars 2-1, just as Katsina United outshone Plateau United 1-0.
IfeanyiUbah FC brought down Go Round FC with a 2-1 victory while Rivers United played 0-0 with Abia Warriors.
Meanwhile, the game between Enyimba and Akwa United has been postponed due to the continental engagement of the People’s Elephant.