Heartland Win Nigeria's Fed Cup

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Heartland Football Club of Owerri today upset favourites, Enyimba Football Club of Aba to lift the 2011 Federation Cup.

The hard-earned victory came after the Naze Millionaires, as the Heartland are fondly called, edged out Enyimba 1-0 in a tight final at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Heartland were without star right back, Chibuzor Okonkwo, who failed a late fitness test following an injury he picked up while playing for the Super Eagles in an international friendly against Argentina early this month.

Enyimba coach, Okey Emordi also made a shock decision to leave defender, Samuel Tswanya on the bench all through the game.

With so much at stake, it was not a surprise to see both sides start tentatively with fouls from both sides putting paid to any sort of free-flowing football.

Heartland were the quicker of the two sides to get into their stride and after missing a few gilt edged opportunities, the Naze Millionaires eventually took the lead, five minutes before the break.
Captain, Chinedu Efugh reacted quickest after Enyimba keeper, Paul Godwin failed to hold a fierce header from Julius Ubido.

The defender poked the ball into the net to give Heartland a deserved lead which they tenaciously held on to till the end.

Enyimba improved after the break but lacked the conviction to hurl themselves back into the contest.

Ifeanyi Ede was the worst culprit for the Aba team as his miss, when left unmarked inside the box late on, represented the last clear cut opportunity for Enyimba.

Enyimba were also losing finalists in last year’s Federation Cup while Heartland last tasted success in the competition in 1988.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Premier League (NPL) side, Ocean Boys claimed the losers’ final of the Federation Cup.

The Divine Warriors defeated city rivals, Bayelsa United 7-6 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 at regulation time.

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