Heartland FC secured a significant 2-0 victory against Abia Warriors on Matchday 10 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), marking their third win of the season and their first triumph away from home. The match, held at the home ground of Abia Warriors, saw goals from Michael Ogu in the 12th minute and a stoppage-time strike at 90+4′, cementing Heartland’s position in the middle of the table.
This win comes as a much-needed boost for Heartland FC, who have experienced a turbulent season with mixed results. Under the management of coach Emmanuel Amuneke, the team has managed three wins, three draws, and four losses from 10 games, reflecting a journey marked by resilience and strategic adjustments. With 12 points, Heartland now sits in the 12th position on the NPFL table, on par with teams like Bendel, Katsina United, and Nasarawa United in terms of points but separated by goal differences.
Elsewhere in the NPFL, Remo Stars maintained their lead at the top of the table following a narrow 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars. This win brought their points tally to 21, solidifying their position with seven wins from 10 matches. Rivers United also secured a strong 2-0 win against Ikorodu City, keeping pace with Remo Stars and matching their 21 points but trailing on goal difference.
In other notable results, Bayelsa United and Enyimba battled to a 1-1 draw, reflecting Enyimba’s recent mixed form that now places them third on the table with 18 points. Kano Pillars edged out Plateau United 2-1, moving them up to eighth place with 14 points. Meanwhile, Sunshine Stars fell to Bendel 2-1, keeping them at 10th place with 13 points.
Heartland FC’s resurgence under Amuneke is part of a broader narrative in this season’s NPFL, where competition has been intense, with only nine points separating the top team, Remo Stars, from 20th-placed Lobi Stars. Teams like Enugu Rangers, who cruised to a 2-0 victory over Nasarawa United, are fighting to climb higher, now sitting fifth with 15 points.
Heartland’s victory on Matchday 10 highlights a season that has seen a blend of fierce contests and surprising upsets, showcasing the league’s unpredictable nature. Their next match against Sunshine Stars at home, will be critical in determining their trajectory as they aim to build on this momentum and climb further up the table.
