NPFL: Enyimba end winless streak against Heartland FC in 8 years
Reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Enyimba International secure their first away win of the season after defeating Heartland International FC 1-0 on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The People's Elephant got the oriental derby victory that ends winless run against Heartland after 10 meetings courtesy of a second half goal by Substitute Stephen Chukwude at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
It Enyimba who took the first initiative in the game with Akanni Elijah getting the free-kick in the 5th minute of the encounter.
6 minutes later, the Aba giants could have opened score but for Chijioke Mbaoma who missed a sitter from close range following a cross from Chidiebere Nnachi.
With time, Heartland came back to the game as Austin Osayande attempt is punched away by Enyimba's goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena for a corner kick in the 19th minute.
Onyekachi Okafor came close to scoring in the half hour mark, but Ani Ozoemena made an important save that kept the scores level.
Heartland 's goalkeeper Umar Johnson was called into action 4 minutes later, but he was up to task as the score stayed the same till the end of the first half.
Divine Ukadike almost gave Enyimba a sacre with his shot 7 minutes into the game which went wide.
However, the visitors got the best opportunity to score when Chigozie Chilekwu in an empty net position miskicked the ball after Joseph Atule's shot hit the post 5 minutes later.
Austin Osayande came close to scoring for the host in the 58 minute, but his attempt went wide.
With flurry of changes from both side and Enyimba's slight dominance, the goal came for Aba giants 9 minutes before regulation time.
Chukwude with his first touch after coming in opened the score for the defending champions and ultimately gave them the maximum points at the end.
The win takes Enyimba to 5th on the log with 16 points, 2 points adrift league leaders, Doma United with a game to spare while Heartland International take rock bottom after 10 matches.
Uche Dozie
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