Ogbu header nets Heartland Fed trophy

Sunday Akintoye

An extra minute goal from Brendan Ogbu was all that defending champions, Heartland Football Club of Owerri needed to beat Lobi Stars of Markurdi 2-1 to retain the Federation Cup Sunday evening at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

The pulsating grand finale, watched by an average crowd saw Lobi defender, Ezekiel Bassey scoring their goal in the 5th minute when he headed home a pullout from
David Tyavkase.

The early goal nearly disorganised Heartland’s game, as the Naze Millionaires played under pressure.

Heartland, formerly known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale, however summoned courage and took the game to their opponents from Benue State.

David Tyavkase of Lobi dazzled and coordinated Lobi’s midfield well, but his teammates could not convert some chances created upfront.

With the support of soccer crazy Lagos fans cheering Heartland after 10 minutes into the encounter, Kingsley Udor and Ibenegbu challenged for the ball and won more possession for the Owerri side.

The aggressive play changed the tempo of the match, leading to Heartland’s equaliser in the 24th minute through Jolly osas who scored at close range to send their fans into wild jubilation.

The first half ended 1-1, and the second half started with both teams missing several scoring chances.

Okpotu Anthony missed a clear cut chance which could have sealed the tie for Lobi in the 47th minute.

Heartland responded with their strikers shooting from all angles, but goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi was at his best as he saved some hot shots in the encounter watched by the Governor of Lagos, Babatunde Raji Fashola and his Imo State counterpart, Governor Rochas Okorocha.

However, Brendan Ogbu nodded in Heartland’s winning goal in the first minute of added time, as the club defended their title and went home with the sum of N2 million.

Earlier In the third place match, Prime FC defeated Kano Pillars 3-1 via penalty shootout after their tie ended a goal apiece at regulation time.