JUST IN: Heartland beat Kano Pillars in rescheduled match to go Top of Table, as Bright scores

Heartland FC built a one point lead at the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League by defeating defending champions Kano Pillars 1-0 in a rescheduled match in
Owerri on Thursday.

 

Former Flying Eagles forward Bright Ejike converted a second-half penalty to secure maximum points for the hosts. Adamu Hassan clumsily handled the ball as he attempted to clear and Ejike sent goalkeeper Yusuf Mohammed the wrong way from the spot.

Heartland should have won comfortably as they went close from dead balls at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

 

It was the first win for Heartland in three matches after defeats to Abia Warriors and Warri Wolves.

 

The Naze Millionaires started the game on the front foot with their positive approach.

 

Midfield maestro Ebere Odiche fired a long range free-kick off target five minutes into the game.

 

Macmarcel Obioha's sweet cross into the box was spilled by Yusuf, but the Dream Team goalie gathered on second attempt.

 

Heartland continued to mount the pressure and Emeka Ogbugh came so close with his free kick.

 

David Obiazo was then called to action when he prevented Ubong Ekpai from scoring after good work from Rabiu Ali.

 

Yusuf dived at full stretch to stop a goal bound effort from Ebere as Heartland pushed for the opener.

 

Pillars left-back Isaac Loute came close to shocking the hosts with his free kick in the 41st minute.

 

Joel Djondang blocked a goal bound effort in the dying moment of the first half, with Ekpai forcing Obiazo to a good save.

 

The resilient Heartland side continued to carve out chances and they were rewarded when Hassan blocked Odiche's goal-bound header with his hand in the box.

 

Ejike relished the challenge and got his execution right from the penalty spot. It was his 4th league goal of the season.

 

The busy Yusuf did well to turn away a screamer from Collins Nwaneri.

 

But a Pillars side lacking bite up front could have snatched a point as Heartland goalkeeper Obiazo produced a superb late save to foil a free-kick.

 

Heartland FC Starters: David Obiazo, Macmarcel Obioha, Zoumana Doumbia, Ebere Odiche, Nelson Ogbonnaya, Wale Doyeni, Collins Nwaneri, Jimoh Oni, Saibou Badarou, Bright Ejike, Chidiebere Ajoku

 

Reserves: Emmanuel Iwu, Julius Ubido, Chinedu Efugh, Babangida Hassan, Emeka Oparaugo, Uchenna Orisakwe, Fred Okwara

 

Kano Pillars Starters: Yusuf Mohammed, Samuel Tswanya, Isaac Loute, Suleiman Usman, Joel Djondang, Reuben Ogbonnaya, Mbah Ezekiel, Rabiu Ali, Adamu Hassan, Ekpai Moses, Azeez Shobowale

 

Reserves: Fabiyi Emmanuel, Murtala Adamu, Eneji Otekpa, Shagari Mohammed, Abdul Haruna, Tony Edjomariegwe, Promise Isaac