Waterlogged pitch halts Nigeria Premier League match as Heartland near away victory

The Week 17 Nigeria Premier League Match between Bayelsa United  and Heartland FC was called off Saturday after the pitch became completely waterlogged following heavy rain.

The pitch at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, where Bayelsa United currently play their home matches, became too soaked that the ball was no longer bouncing.

In frustration, the centre referee discontinued play 17 minutes to the end of proceedings. The match resumes at noon today (Sunday).

Before the match was discontinued, visiting Heartland FC had completely dominated play, having a 4-2 advantage to show for their effort.

The Owerri-based team took the lead in the 8th minute as Jolly Osas curled a free kick underneath the hapless Bayelsa goalkeeper.

The team doubled its lead in the 20th minute as Bright Ejike converted a penalty following a foul on Badarou.

Bayelsa however got a lifeline shortly after as Odili Iyasele scored off an Eric Frimpong’s assist.

But the celebration was short-lived, with Heartland soon taking its tally to three, restoring its two-goal lead with another Bright Ejike strike.

Scores stood at 1-3 at halftime. And on resumption of hostility, Bayelsa pushed hard to cancel the visitor’s lead.

That paid off in the 57th minute  as Peter Ebimobowei slotted in a goal.

But it was Heartland that laughed last as it took its tally to 4-2 before heavy downpour forced the referee to call off the match.

Tha match between league newcomers Giwa FC and Nembe FC did not hold as Nembe failed to show up.

The maximum three points were awarded to Giwa after the mandatory wait period expired.