NPFL: Heartland FC edge  Rangers 2-0  in Enugu

Heartland Football Club of Owerri on Sunday,  defeated Rangers International FC of Enugu  2-0 in a classic encounter at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in  Enugu.

The match was a week 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2024/2025 season.

Heartland drew the first blood in the 22nd minute when S. Lawal outclassed a Rangers’defender inside the box to fire past the  keeper Abdulahi.

The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Emmanuel Amuneke tutored side.

On resumption of second half, it took the Naze boys just 48 minutes to double the lead via a goal mouth scramble as I. Nasir capitalised on a defensive mixed up to tap in.

All efforts by Rangers to get  a goal proved futile as the visitors battling against relegation stood their grounds.

The loss meant that Rangers remained in the sixth position with 46 points while Hearthland moved from 16th to 14th position on the log.

In a post match interview, Chief Coach of Hearthland, Emmanuel Amuneke,  said he was happy that his boys delivered appropriately.

He said that the team considered their position on the table and had to work harder.

“I am happy for this vital victory and hope to work harder to win our remaining matches, ” he said.

On his part, Chief Coach of Rangers EKenedilichukwu Ekeh,  said it was a bad day for his team.

“Obviously,  we are not happy but in football it is normal; sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, ” he said.