Ekene Awazie’s 35th minute goal sealed victory for Enyimba in an exciting oriental derby at the Enyimba Stadium.
Playing their third and last home game behind closed doors, the People’s Elephants almost got a goal in the first minute but Joseph Atule missed a tap in with no one to beat. Ovunda was called to action in the 4th minute as he pushed away a scorching Daniel Daga free-kick as Enyimba worked hard for an early opener. Ovunda would later deny Daga again and Nnachi. There was chance for Heartland in the 29th minute but Esobe nodded Dike’s free-kick inches wide.
Enyimba’s breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute when Chilekwu’s pass from Enyimba’s half met Ekene who ran into the box, cut in to his right and curled past Ovunda.
Olorunleke Ojo made a brilliant save in the 37th minute when he pushed away Divine Dike’s stunning shot from outside the box.
Both teams battled to get goals in the second half but no more goal was scored, with Mbaoma missing chances to increase his goals tally in the league.
This victory gives Enyimba a double victory against Heartland this season. In the reverse fixture, Stephen Chukwude scored the winner for Enyimba in Owerri but he played for Heartland on Tuesday after a mid-season move to the Naze Millionaires.