An Onyekachi Okafor’s 45th-minute strike from the spot was all the Naze Millionaires needed to overcome resilient Ibom Youths FC of Akwa Ibom in Sunday NNL match day 2 encounter decided at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
After an inspiring away victory at Umuahia during the midweek, Heartland hosted Ibom Youths in her first home game of the season.
Chisom Chiagha returned in goal following the dismissal of Edwin Nwakanma in Umuahia as he proved his mettle with amazing reflexes, anticipation and mental awareness.
Chijioke Opara Franklin Oyewole, Omaka Fabian Chidiebere Ajoku all came close but missed glaring chances. However, Onyekachi Okafor’s 45th-minute strike, just at the stroke of half time made the difference for the Naze Millionaires.
The team dug deep to keep the score in her favour to finally clinch 6 points in their opening two games scoring two games apiece.
Reacting after the game, Head Coach Christian Obi admitted that his strikers were wasteful infront of goal owing to anxiety but promised that with time they will get better
“Yes Today we saw Tunde miss, with the keeper to beat, i feel it is anxiety. We will correct that ahead of our next game. The midfield also needs to be worked on before the next game”
In the opposite dugout, Coach Itoro of Ibom Youths blamed lack of concentration for his side’s defeat. His words;
“Congratulations to Heartland, they played well but we lost to lack of concentration, the referee was fair, and my team played well, I am proud of them but that moment of lack of concentration cost us the game.
Heartland FC will engage Cynosure FC next weekend in Abakiliki, the Ebonyi state Capital
With the hope of making it three wins in three games
