By Daily Sports on July 10, 2016

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 highflying 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.

 •Culled from Goal.Com. Photo shows Bright Ejike

Source Daily Sports

Posted July 10, 2016

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