Heartland goal keeper Godwin Paul made the difference for the Naze Millionaires saving her blushes to send the team through to the quarter finals at the expense of Dakada FC.
After a barren first half with chances far in between, Coach Erasmus introduced Nonso Nzediegwu and Alfred Alexander.
Nonso’s impact was instant giving his opposite number a run for his money, his cut back in the 59th minute presented a glorious opportunity for Ojonugwa who fluffed his lines.
The combination of Chukwujike Jacob Chibuike Nwaiwu and Nonso Nzediegwu finally paid off in the 89th minute when Chibuike powered home an unstoppable header for the curtain raiser. Heartland unfortunately caved in and conceded a penalty in the dying moments and were duly punished by Aniekan Ekpe who converted from the spot to send the game to the lottery of penalties.
Once beaten, they say twice shy. Godwin Paul who had kept Heartland in the game with some smart reflexes became the hero yet again, saving Aniekan Ekpe’s penalty to book a quarter final ticket for the Naze Millionaires.
Reacting after the game, Heartland’s Technical Adviser Erasmus Onuh admitted that it was a difficult game for his side but promised a better outing in the quarter finals.
“Actually we were not at our best .The best that God has given us, we have used it. We are going back to re strategize and i promise that we will move forward”
Heartland will battle Katsina United for a semi final berth at Illorin Kwara State on Wednesday 10th August 2022.
In another related development the Chairman House Committee on Sports and the Deputy Speaker of the IMO State house of assembly Rt Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu has congratulated Heartland FC of Owerri and assured them of Government’s support.
The lawmaker alongside the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Hon Dan Ogu met the team briefly before the encounter and urged them to put their best foot forward.
