LOBI STARS EDGE HEARTLAND TO MOVE OUT OF RELEGATION

June, 12 2022.

Lobi Stars began the first half like a house on fire as they threw men forward in search of an early goal.

Olamilekan Adams got the better of his marker Okon Samuel but the defender misjudged tackle in the area gifted the home side with a penalty in the 5th minute.

Chinonso Okwonkwo stepped up but his effort was well saved by Chijioke Ejiogu in goal for Heartland before the ex Enyimba safe hands was replaced for injuring his knee.

Replaced in goal by Godwin Paul, Lobi Stars continued to dominate as Paul Godwin in quick succession first denied a goal bound shot from David Tyavkase before making himself big to stop a ravaging shot from Olamilekan Adams.

Heartland got a rare chance to go ahead in the dying moments but Chibuike Uchechukwu's shot missed the target from yards out as the referee signaled for half time.

On resumption, Lobi Stars surged into attack and immediately got a penalty after Chinonso Okwonkwo got upheld in the vital area leaving the referee with no choice than to point to the spot.

Barnabas Imenger Jr stepped and calmly slotted home from 12 yards to hand Lobi the lead in the 55th minutes.

Heartland responded with a goal of their own when Chukwuma Ndukwu side footed Ebuka Okoro's cross into the net as the home team keeps pressing on.

Lobi Stars should had scored on the 82nd minutes as John Chukwudi's shot came off the goal post before Odinaka Francis header rattles the crossbar.

Ifeanyi Ogba left it late when his shot goes under the arms of Paul Godwin in goal for Heartland as the fans in Makurdi goes into frenzy.

Two late red cards for Heartland, First, Ebuka Okoro for dissent and then Chijioke Mbaoma for a foul on Moses Tsehuan.