HEARTLAND FC 3–2 INTER LAGOS FC: Naze Millionaires Edge Five-Goal Thriller to Go Third
Heartland FC climbed to third on the league table with seven points from four matches after securing a pulsating 3–2 victory over Inter Lagos FC on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
In a match loaded with drama, intensity, and quality finishing, the Naze Millionaires showed resilience to claim all three points despite a late push from the visitors.
The game kicked off with Heartland immediately taking control as ThankGod Chilaka led the early press. Their dominance paid off in the 21st minute when Chilaka was fouled inside the box two minutes earlier. Uche Akuwueze stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give Heartland a deserved 1–0 lead.
Heartland doubled their advantage in the 41st minute through the brilliant Joel Okoro. A delightful cross from the right by Murphy Ndukwu found Okoro unmarked, and the forward rifled home from close range to put the hosts firmly in control heading into the break.
At halftime, Ndukwu was presented with the Heartland FC Imo SWAN Player of the Month for November by the Imo SWAN Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka to a tumultuous applause from the fans. He becomes the first Naze Millionaires’ player to be bestowed with the recognition this season.
Inter Lagos returned from halftime with renewed energy and were rewarded in the 57th minute when Olasunkanmi Sijuwade struck to halve the deficit. Moments earlier, Heartland had introduced fresh legs—Abdulateef Ibrahim, Jeffrey Melody, and David Jatto replacing Chukwudi Agor, ThankGod Chilaka, and Emmanuel Charles.
However, the visitors’ momentum was short-lived. Heartland responded emphatically in the 66th minute. Again, it was the Ndukwu–Okoro combination that delivered. Ndukwu whipped in another precise cross and Okoro produced a stunning finish—his second goal of the game—to restore a two-goal cushion for the Naze Millionaires.
Three minutes later, Christian Nkwo made way for Victor Benjamin while Emmanuel Offor came on for Ndukwu to a loud ovation from the fans late on as Heartland sought to stabilize the midfield and protect their lead.
Inter Lagos refused to back down and were handed a lifeline in the 88th minute when the referee penalized Akuwueze for a handball in the box. Substitute Uchenna Njoku converted from the spot to bring the score to 3–2, setting up a nervy finale.
Heartland, however, held firm through the final moments to seal a crucial home win and will visit Akure next for a midweek duel with Sunshine Stars at the Ondo Sports Complex in a NNL Matchday 5 tie.
Heartland Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, praised both teams for the intensity of the encounter while emphasizing the importance of the win:
“We needed to win the game to add three more points to the one we have. It was a very good game and I must acknowledge the opponents. They were energetic and gave us a tough challenge. We will go back and review what happened for more readjustments,” he stated during the post match after the game.
“We will continue to remain very hardworking to achieve our objective. I prefer not to speak about what we will do against future opponents—we must respect them.
Amuneke reiterates Heartland FC desire to return to the premier League at the end of the season and he thumbed up Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma for his support to the team.
“Our goal is to return to the Premier League and reposition Heartland where it belongs. I am privileged to have been called by His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, to serve my people, and I will give everything just as I have done in other countries.”
Team Sheets
Heartland FC XI:
Emmanuel Iwu; Christian Nkwo (Victor Benjamin 70′), Kingsley Ekpeyong, Uche Akuwueze, Uche Odeh; Agor Chukwudi (Abdulateef Ibrahim 56′), Joel Okoro, Charles Emmanuel (David Jatto 56′), Udoma Chukwuma; ThankGod Chilaka (Jeffrey Melody 56′) , Murphy Ndukwu (Emmanuel Offor 89′).
Subs Not Used : Ezra David, Hadi Mohammed, Gabriel Wassa, Uche Chibueze.
Inter Lagos FC XI:
Savior Atabi; Quadri Idowu, Azeez Akinade, Ishola Rasaq, Jonathan Emmanuel, Sylvester Eweka, Kingsley Agabi, Olasunkanmi Sijuwade, Gaffer Olaniyan, Saturday Godwin, Adebayo Oyedele.
Subs: Isiaka Basit, Boma Eric, Wasiu Ajisafe, Adigun Damilare, Arinze Inamuchi, Ibrahim Ogede, Uchenna Njoku, Abass Akorede, Friday Utibe.
Coach: Shakiru Giwa.
