By Silvernews
Heartland FC bounced back in style on Sunday, securing their first three points of the Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign with a 2–1 triumph over Edel FC of Awka. The win comes as a timely response to their opening-day setback against Crown FC.
The Naze Millionaires wasted no time announcing their intent, stunning the visitors with a goal inside the first minute. Murphy Ndukwu sliced through Edel’s backline with a brilliant solo run before coolly burying his effort past goalkeeper Ede David—an electric start that sent the home fans into early celebration.
Buoyed by the opener, Heartland pressed high and carved out several chances but failed to extend their lead due to poor finishing. Edel eventually settled into their rhythm and tested the hosts’ defence with a handful of threatening moves.
Heartland, however, restored control before the break when Joel Okoro’s ambitious long-range strike took a wicked deflection, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and nestling comfortably into the net.
The Owerri side returned for the second half with renewed energy but once again let multiple chances slip away. Their profligacy proved costly in the 57th minute as Edel FC launched a swift counter-attack finished stylishly by Obi Emmanuel, who chipped goalkeeper Ebuka Nwokoecha to halve the deficit.
Edel pushed hard for a leveller, but Heartland’s defence showed grit, absorbing the pressure and protecting their narrow lead until the final whistle.
With the win secured, the Naze Millionaires now turn attention to a crucial away fixture next Saturday against Gateway FC at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
Assistant Coach Taiwo Enegwea commended his players’ character while stressing the need for greater precision in front of goal.
“We created so many chances but failed to convert them. That’s something we’ll be working on immediately. The important thing is that the boys fought for the win. We could have even cancelled out the three goals we conceded in Ogbomosho if we finished better. Still, getting these three points is a big relief.
With Coach Emmanuel Amuneke leading this project, we’re confident the improvements will keep coming. The goal we conceded was simply a lapse in recovery during their counter-attack.”
Match-winner Joel Okoro admitted the team had to adapt quickly after an early injury setback but praised the group’s resilience.
“Losing our defensive midfielder so early affected our balance, but we regrouped. They’re young players, and they gave everything. Their goal came from a very fast transition—we were a bit caught out.
We were also under pressure to respond after the loss in Ogbomosho. Scoring early was intentional; we wanted to show our fans that we’re ready to fight this season. We just let anxiety affect our finishing.
We promise more improvement. With God on our side, we’ll keep pushing and won’t let our standards drop.”
