Enyimba FC on Saturday broke an eight-year jinx after defeating Heartland FC 0-1 in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) game decided at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The People’s Elephant have been unable to beat the Naze Millionaires ever since Kadiri Ikhana’s Enyimba recorded a 2-0 win over their fiery regional rivals in Aba en route to winning the league title in 2015.
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Enyimba head coach Finidi George returned to Owerri, venue of one of his most controversial losses since taking the reins at Enyimba – a 1-0 defeat on February 26, 2022 thoroughly influenced by a ridiculous piece of officiating by referee Adebimpe Quadri.
Enyimba went into Saturday’s game at the back of two straight wins at home against difficult propositions – Lobi Stars and Bendel Insurance – and that seemed to prepare them for the task against Heartland who were looking for their first win of the season after nine attempts and have installed a new head coach, Kennedy Boboye ahead of this game.
The visitors almost took the lead in the 11th minute but former Heartland forward Chijioke Mbaoma missed his attempt after he was set-up by winger Chidiebere Nnachi. Heartland also responded at the other end and it was only the woodwork that denied striker Onyekachi Okafor on the half hour mark.
The game’s only goal would arrive late though. An 81st minute finish by substitute Stephen Chukwude who was only introduced by Finidi three minutes earlier, jabbing home a cross from Uwana Asuquo, also a substitute. It was the first time Enyimba were scoring against Heartland since 2016 and this counted for a victory.
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The result, rounding off a great week for Finidi George’s wards lifts Enyimba to fifth position, sitting on same number of points with Remo Stars whom they face in a rescheduled game on Wednesday in Aba.
Remo Stars on their own failed to gain full marks when they hosted Doma United in their Match Day 10 contest on Saturday. Doma goalkeeper Kingdom Osayi was once again the hero for his team, pulling off many dramatic saves to keep his side in first position ahead of Sunday’s games.
Seven more matches will hold on Sunday with the game between Plateau United and Rivers United postponed.
