Heartland boosted their survival hopes in the Nigeria Professional Football League with an impressive 2-0 win against Akwa United in a matchday 24 fixture at the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Saturday.
The win ended Akwa United's three-game unbeaten run in the NPFL and lifted the hosts to the 16th position in the table.
Substitute Omo Johnson who was making his debut for the Naze Millionaires scored with his first touch of the game in the 61st minute. Akwa United came close to equalising 10 minutes from time through Harrison Ibukun, but his effort was cleared off the line by Marcel Obioha. Chinedu Efugh made the points safe for the home side when he bundled the ball home six minutes from time. In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors maintained their unbeaten record at the Maiduguri Township Stadium in the NPFL this season, edging out Lobi Stars 1-0.
The hosts made a dream start to the game earning a penalty in the first minute after Chinedu Ohanachom was tripped inside the box by a Lobi Stars defender.
Lobi Stars goalkeeper John Lawrence however saved the resultant penalty kick played by Ibrahim Mustapha. The visitors were reduced to 10 men when Lawrence was sent off late in the first half for a second bookable offence.
Lobi put up a stern resistance despite pressure from the hosts on resumption of the second half, but caved in three minutes into injury time when Usman Malika scored the winning goal for El-Kanemi.
There will be five more games in the NPFL on Sunday. Rangers beat Warri Wolves in the first week 24 fixture on Friday night in Enugu.