Match Report: Heartland, Lobi Stars share spoils as NPFL returns to Owerri
OWERRI – Heartland and Lobi Stars played out a riveting two-all draw at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, on matchday one of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Saturday, 30 September 2023.
The match, which witnessed a brief delay of approximately fifteen minutes due to delays in player and match officials’ entrance inspection, eventually commenced with the hosts, Heartland FC, initiating proceedings.
The initial stages of the game saw the hosts appearing somewhat lethargic, while the visitors displayed a readiness for the occasion. It took only 16 minutes for Lobi Stars’ midfielder, Adebayo Waheed, to seize the opportunity and break the deadlock with a low drive that eluded Heartland goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha, nestling into the near post.
In a sequence of mishaps, the home team conceded a second goal in the 38th minute when Francis Odinaka unleashed a powerful drive that left the net trembling, sending Lobi Stars into a frenzy of celebration.
Throughout the first half, the visitors dictated the tempo of the game, marching confidently into half-time with a comfortable two-goal lead.
The second half commenced with Lobi Stars aiming to sustain their momentum, as Waheed Adebayo came close to extending their lead.
Gradually, the hosts gained confidence and began to pose a threat to Lobi’s defense. The swift passes that had been absent for much of the match now flowed freely, earning applause from the home fans.
Capitalizing on their newfound dominance, the Naze Millionaires clawed back into contention with a crucial goal in the 73rd minute, courtesy of second-half substitute Patrick Nwogbaga.
This goal breathed new life into the game, and fifteen minutes later, the hosts completed their remarkable comeback. Another second-half substitute, Ezekiel Bassey, brought the score level at 2-2 in the 88th minute.
As the clock wound down, both teams fiercely battled for a potential winner, but in the end, they were forced to settle for a share of the points.
The Naze Millionaires can credit their comeback to the tactical substitutions made by their manager and will aim for a victory in their upcoming away fixture.
For the visitors, both players and fans will head back to Makurdi with a sense of disappointment, having failed to secure all three points despite leading the contest for a significant portion of the afternoon.
