The Naze Millionaires continued their battle for survival in the Nigeria elite division with a morale boosting win against Paul Aigbogun's men
Heartland defeated Enyimba 1-0 in Saturday’s Nigeria Professional Football League oriental derby played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
Bright Ejike struck late from the spot to help the hosts overcome their high flying visitors in a fierce oriental contest in Owerri.
Both sides were faced with different futures with the Owerri-based outfit battling to beat the drop, while a win for the People's Elephants would help their quest to retain the NPFL title.
The Naze Millionaires were obviously unlucky snatching an early lead, seeing Macmarcel Obioha's bullet shot denied by the woodwork in the second minute.
Enyimba failed in their effort to take the lead through Andrew Abalogu's glancing header, but hosts' shotstopper Obi was spot on for a grab.
Though looked desperate for the maximum points, Heartland struggled to create chances in the opening 15 minutes as the high-profile south-Eastern derby turned fierce.
Red-hot Omo Johnson breezed past the midfield and cruised his way into the goal area saw his brilliant pass to Roland Koffi intercepted and cleared out in the 42nd minute.
In the 69 minute, Heartland's goal through Koffi was disallowed for offside. Heartland keeper Obi narrowly survived a goalmouth interception from substitute Abu Azeez following a backpass in the 83th minute.
Akpoveta earned a priceless penalty after he was fouled by captain Chinedu Udoji in Enyimba's box. And Ejike converted to goal to hand the host the vital winner.
Match details
HEARTLAND: 18. Ebele Obi 11. Macmarcel Obioha 4. Zoumana Doumbia 26. Julius Ubido 29. Chinedu Efugh 32. Nnaemeka Anyanwu 27. Chidebere Ajoku (Hamzat Owolabi 40') 6. Roland Koffi 5. Omo Johnson 13. David Sunday (Bright Ejike 65') 21. Arinze Nwaigwu (Akpoveta Ojevwe 46')
Unused Subs: 35. Emmanuel Iwu 24. Nelson Ogbonnaya 2. Abubakar Jika 22. Anthonin Oussou
BOOKED: NIL
GOAL: Bright Ejike (p) 90'
ENYIMBA: 2. Moses Ocheje 16. Dare Ojo 27. Chima Akas 12. Kelly Kester 24. Ike ThankGod 26. Chinedu Udoji 11. Andrew Abalogu (Ezekiel Bassey 70') 31. Ifeanyi George 30. Ifeanyi Onuigbo (Abu Azeez 58') 4. Nzube Anaezemba 20. Joseph Osadiaye (Ikechukwu Ibenegbu 90')
Unused Subs: 1. Theophilus Afelokhai 25. Uche John 15. Ikechukwu Ibenegbu 33. Christian Obiozor 23. Peter Onyekachi
BOOKED: Dare Ojo 22' Chinedu Udoji HT Ifeanyi Onuigbo 51'
GOAL: NIL
Man of the Match: Joseph Osadiaye (Enyimba)
Ref: Sani Abdu
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