Heartland FC secured a crucial away victory over Enugu Rangers with a commanding 2-0 win at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as The Cathedral, in Enugu State.
In the Oriental Derby in Enugu, Rangers International who are mourning the passing of their ex-international and coach, Christian Chukwu, were handed a defeat by the relegation-troubled Naze Millionaires.
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In a match that initially leaned in favour of the hosts, Enugu Rangers started brightly and dictated the tempo early on. However, the visitors from Imo State held firm, soaking up the pressure in what became a cagey affair midway through the first half.
The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute when Suraju Lawal turned brilliantly in the box and fired a precise low shot into the bottom left corner, beyond the reach of Rangers’ goalkeeper, Lucky Abdullahi. That goal gave Heartland FC the confidence boost they needed and silenced the home crowd.
Rangers pushed forward in search of an equalizer but were met by a resolute Heartland defense and a confident display by goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga, who recovered from a brief injury scare in the 28th minute to continue impressively.
The visitors doubled their lead shortly after the restart. In the 48th minute, Isaac Nassy capitalized on a spilled save by Abdullahi from Lawal’s initial effort, heading the ball into the net despite desperate attempts from the Rangers defense to clear it off the line.
The result marks a significant win for Heartland FC as they look to build momentum heading into their next fixture against Kwara United on April 20, 2025. Meanwhile, Enugu Rangers will aim to bounce back when they host Lobi Stars on April 19, 2025.
In Ilorin, Kayode Oke Solomon scored the lone goal winner for the visitors from Benin City to claim all three points.
However, the NPFL hotshot, Anas Yusuf, netted his 15th goal of the season for Nasarawa United to edge past Plateau United 3-2.
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors are now very much in the championship race after a home 2-0 win over second-placed Rivers United.
Abia Warriors consolidated third place on the back of a 2-0 home win over Rivers United.
They are now just two points behind Rivers United with five rounds of matches still to be played.
In Kano, Ahmed Musa opened scoring for Kano Pillars to win 2-0 and add to the woes of bottom club Lobi Stars.
Remo Stars are now seven points clear of nearest rivals Rivers United after they were held to a scoreless draw by Katsina United.
Both Sunshine Stars and Akwa United failed to move out of the relegation zone today.
Sunshine Stars beat Enyimba 2-1 but remain in 19th position with 38 points, while Akwa United are 18th with the same number of points but a better goals difference.
RESULTS FROM NPFL
Rangers 0-2 Heartland
Abia War 2-0 Rivers Utd
Akwa Utd 1-1 El Kanemi
K’Pillars 2-0 Lobi Stars
Nasarawa 3-2 Plateau
Remo Stars 0-0 Katsina
Sunshine 2-1 Enyimba
Ikorodu City 3-0 Tornadoes
Kwara Utd 0-1 B’Insurance
Premier League
Chelsea 2-2 Ipswich
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
Wolves 4-2 Tottenham
Newcastle 4-1 Man Utd
Inputs from THISDAY LIVE and ANN
