Embattled Heartland earn lucky point against Gombe United

Embattled NPFL side Heartland FC were held to a 1-1 draw by newly-promoted Gombe United FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri in their NPFL Matchday 11 clash.

Heartland parted ways with head coach Usman Abd’Allah in the aftermath of their last defeat, before receiving news of their impending expulsion from the NPFL over owed wages and salaries in the past week. The Naze Millionaires were clearly in a terrible situation coming into the game against Gombe United.

Heartland quickly appointed Coach Onu Ollotah as the side’s new coach, and his first task was to try and halt the club’s slide that saw them lose five consecutive matches in the NPFL this season for the first time in the club’s history.

The Naze Millionaires looked on course for a sixth straight defeat as former Heartland star Chidera Eze opened the scoring for the Savannah Scorpions away from home in the 34th minute after a smart finish following a pass from Ibrahim Yahaya.

Heartland, however, were rewarded for their persistence in the 82nd minute as Jonathan Alukwu was on hand to prod home the ball from close range after a free-kick from Samuel Okon was not properly dealt with.

Heartland remain in the relegation zone in 19th place with only eight points accrued so far. Gombe United are in 14th place, five points better off than the Naze Millionaires.