Heartland Surrender Two-Goal Lead in 2-2 Draw Against Crown FC in NNL Opener
Heartland FC have suffered an early setback in their quest to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after being held to a 2-2 draw by Crown FC in their opening match of the new Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
The match, played in Owerri on Sunday, saw Heartland take a comfortable 2-0 lead into the break but fail to hold on as the visitors fought back in the second half.
Coach Emmanuel Amuneke’s side took the lead after 11 minutes through Ekene Osigwe before Jonathan Osondu converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time to make it 2-0.
However, Crown FC responded strongly after the restart, scoring twice within two minutes to earn a valuable away point.
Osas Kevin reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute before Mustapha Olamilekan found the equaliser a minute later.
The result is an early disappointment for Heartland, who missed out on promotion last season despite a late improvement in form.
Amuneke will now have to work on his team’s weaknesses as they seek to avoid another difficult start and push for a return to the NPFL.
Other teams in the second-tier league will begin their campaigns next weekend as the race for promotion gets underway.
