Heartland FC of Owerri returned to winning ways with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Inter Lagos FC in their Match Day 4 clash of the Nigerian National League (NNL) at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
The Naze Millionaires climbed to third place in the Southern Conference A standings, amassing seven points from four matches in the ongoing 2025/2026 NNL season.
Coming off a goalless away draw against Gateway FC in Abeokuta last weekend, the Naze Millionaires wasted no time stamping their authority.
In the 21st minute, ThankGod Chilaka was brought down inside the box, and captain Uche Akuwueze calmly converted the resulting penalty to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Just before halftime, Joel Okoro doubled the advantage with a powerful strike, finishing off a clever assist from Murphy Ndukwu, sending the home fans into raptures.
After the break, Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke reshuffled his squad, introducing Abdulateef Ibrahim, Jeffery Melody, and David Jatto for Chukwudi Agor, ThankGod Chilaka, and Emmanuel Charles. The changes injected fresh energy into Heartland’s attack.
However, Inter Lagos responded with determination. In the 57th minute, Olasunkanmi Sijuwade pulled one back for the visitors, sparking hopes of a comeback.
Heartland’s attacking duo of Ndukwu and Okoro continued to torment the Lagos defense with their fluid link-up play. Their combination paid off again in the 66th minute when Ndukwu delivered a precise cross that Okoro smashed home for his second goal of the day, restoring Heartland’s two-goal cushion.
The drama wasn’t over. In the 88th minute, substitute Uchenna Njoku converted a penalty for Inter Lagos after Akuwueze was penalized for handling the ball inside his own area.
The late strike set up a nervy finish, but the home side held firm to secure all three points.
With the victory, Heartland now prepares for a midweek trip to the Ondo Sports Complex to face Sunshine Stars of Akure, while Inter Lagos sits out with a bye.
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