NPFL: Amuneke’s Heartland maintains unbeaten run, Musa rescues point for Pillars 

By Harry Awurumibe, Editor-in-Chief Abuja

Forward Surajdeen Lawal grabbed a brace for resurgent Heartland Football Club of Owerri in the team’s 2-2 draw against hosts Kano Pillars on Sunday at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano to preserve Naze Millionaires’ four-match unbeaten run in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Lawal struck in the 51st minute of the thrilling encounter after a goalless first half before old war-horse Rabiu Ali equalised for the ‘Sai Masugida’ in the 57th minute to the joy of the Kano fans.

But the celebration of Ali’s goal hardly died down when Lawal capitalized on the long throws of midfielder Christian Nnaemeka Nkwo to score his brace on the day in the 59th minute to silence the vociferous Pillars’ supporters who were still celebrating their equaliser.

However, when it seems like Heartland will grab all three points, returning Super Eagles star, Ahmed Musa salvaged a point for Kano Pillars as he scored Pillars’ second goal in the 75th minute to send their fans into wide jubilation around the Sani Abacha Stadium to save the team from losing their first game in the stadium after they returned from exile.

By leading his rookies to a difficult Kano Pillars’s ground and nearly won the match but for Musa’s equalising goal, Heartland’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke may have started proving wrong his critics over his reliance on the academy players.

Heartland has now gone four matches unbeaten, amassing 10 points from three victories including a 2-0 away win against Abia Warriors in Umuahia penultimate week even as two players of the club Nkwo and midfielder Ikechukwu Mgbemena have been invited to the CHAN Eagles camp in Abuja by Coach Austin Eguavoen.

The Owerri-based club is currently 10th on the log but only four points behind Enyimba International of Aba presently occupying the 3rd spot on 20 points with the leaders Remo Stars on 23 points and Finidi George’s Rivers United on 22 points.