Technical Adviser, Heartland Football Club,Christian Obi led his "Naze Millionaires" to maintain an unbeaten record in the 2022/2023 Nigeria National League,in Abakaliki in match day three.
Heartland who are poised to return to the elite class were held to a goalless draw by homers ,Cynosure FC at the P.A Oruta Ngele Stadium in the Ebonyi state capital.
Christian Obi was forced into making an early substitution in the first half when left back Amaechi Best could not continue because of a hamstring.
Ikechukwu Udeozor took his place and in three minutes went into the referees book.
Debutants Tony Okemiri and Ibe were very productive and combined well on the right channel.
Heartland's goal poacher Onyekachi Okafor came close twice but missed by whiskers.
The first was a sitter , a hammer throw from Chijioke Opara but he failed to convert from three yards. The second was agonizingly close.
He turned in between two defenders after a hot chase but his curling effort flew across the face of goal.
The host took over with torrents of attack but Nnaemeka Anyanwu, Afolayan Peter, Opara Chijioke ,Ikechukwu Udeozor and Jeremiah Ndukwe were equal to the task.
Heartland safest hands,who is yet to concede in the season, Chisom Chiagha was simply exceptional, making incredible saves to keep Heartland in the game. He was un arguably the star performer on the day for his exploits in between the sticks ,that saw him wadding off attacks from Cynosure to leave scores at nil,nil.
The draw leaves Heartland tops of group B4 in the Southern Conference,with 7points and +2 goals difference.
Christian Obi though unable to get maximum points away was however grateful for not dropping all the points to a very ambitious Cynosure side.
"I thank God for everything, am proud of my players but i believe with better officiation the team could have done better"
Heartland will play away to Edel FC next in match day four ,the former Nigerian international goal keeper expressed optimism that his team will come out better because of the quality of the turf in Awka .
"Am looking forward to that game because of the pitch, the pitch in Umuahia wasn't good as well as the Dan Anyiam Stadium and the Abakaliki Stadium .
"We will be able to express ourselves better on a good pitch"
Heartland will engage Edel FC next on Saturday at the Awka City Stadium, in Anambra State.
Heartland Media