The wait is finally over as Heartland FC have finally won their first game of the season after defeating Bendel Insurance by a lone goal in the match day 12 fixtures of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Austin Osayande’s second-half strike ended the winless run as the ‘Naze Millionaires’ picked up their first three points to move up to 19th position on the league table. Prior to this game, Heartland had lost four games and drew seven.
In another game, Moses Omodumueke second-half goal was enough for Sunshine Stars to record their second South-west derby win of the season against Shooting Stars.
It would be recalled Sunshine Stars fortnight ago defeated Sporting Lagos by one goal to nil.
Sunshine Stars ought to have taken the lead in the first half of the match but thanks to their resolute defence who made a goalmouth clearance.
After a draw in the last two meetings between the duo, Sunshine Stars came out victorious in this encounter.
The win has catapulted the team to eleven positions in the log with sixteen points.
Similarly, Plateau United defeated Enugu Rangers by two goals to one. Adikwu gave Enugu Rangers an early lead while Nwobodo restored parity for the hosts a few minutes later. Olawale Doyeni’s late goal secured the victory for Plateau United.
Abia Warriors and Sporting Lagos played out a one-all-one draw in Aba. Nwabueze cancelled Akpesiri’s early strike for the Lagos-based side.
In Kwara, Doma picked another point away from home following a goalless draw with Kwara United while Lobi Stars defeated Gombe United by a lone goal.
Remo Stars who now top the table were held to a goalless draw by Niger United while Kano Pillars continued their impressive form by defeating Akwa United 1-0.
Meanwhile, Gateway United secured a crucial point in a rescheduled Nigeria National League game against Osun United. Osun United took the lead in the 76th minute, but Gateway United fought back. In the end, Damilare Babatunde’s header from a flick-on by Taofeek Babatunde secured the equalizer, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
