Heartland FC stepped up their build-up to the Nigeria National League campaign by defeating Bayelsa United 3-0 in a pre-season friendly at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri yesterday.
Ekene Osigwe opened the scoring for the Naze Millionaires in the 20th minute before Ali Sunday struck again four minutes later. Godwin sealed the emphatic result with Heartland’s third goal in the 67th minute against a Bayelsa United side led by Abdu Maikaba, who also coaches Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles.
The victory marked another positive test for Heartland under Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke. Their preparatory schedule has also included wins over Supreme Kings, 2-1, Die Hard FC, 4-2, and Abia Comets, 3-0, as well as a 1-1 draw away to Solution FC in Awka.
Heartland had mixed results in their two recent encounters with Akwa United, losing the first match 2-0 before responding with a 2-0 victory in the return game. Against Bayelsa United, they took control through two rapid first-half strikes, preserved their shutout and added another goal after the interval.
