Heartland are Federation Cup champions again

Tunde Eleduni

Brendan Ogbu was the hero for Heartland FC scoring in the 90th minute to help his side to a 2-1 win over hard fighting Lobi stars in the finals of this year’s Federation Cup finals at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The Naze Millionares got a giant trophy, ticket to represent Nigeria at the CAF Confederation Cup and a N2m prize money for successfully defending the title won last year.

It was defender, Ezekiel Bassey, who opened scoring for Lobi Stars FC in the 5th minute through a header after David Tyavkase supplied a cross.

Heartland responded in the 31st minutes through midfielder, Jolly Osas to bring the score line to 1-1 at the end of first half.

The second half resumed with optimism on both sides as they made several attempts at goal.

Chimaobi Nwaogu made way for Luter Iyorhe, as Heartland coach Ndubuisi Nduka also pulled out Kingsley Udoh for Emmanuel Mathias.

Lobi continued their changes with Abutu Jonah giving way for Ajia Emmanuel.

Heartland’s Julius Ubido was stretchered out following dislocation on his left knee, but was fit enough to return to action after receiving medical attention.

Heartland made another substitution with Ubido leaving for Uchenna Orisakwe

Akire Henry was introduced for Iyorhe who came in as a substitute.

Heartland finally pulled out first choice goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi for Chijioke Ejiogu in the 88the minutes as they indicate they were set for penalty shootout.

But Brendan Ogbu could not wait for penalties as he fired his side to a 2-1 victory over Lobi Stars

Ogbu who was declared the MVP of the tournament told Premium Times he was elated by the winning goal and trophy for his team.

“I am the happiest man on earth, I thank God for today and the trophy he. has allowed us to take back to Owerri.

Meanwhile Prime FC of Osogbo ended their campaign in the 2012 Federation on a high finishing third as they defeated Nigeria Premier League side Kano Pillars 3-1 on penalties in the third place match at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The two teams had played out a 1-1 draw in the regulation period before going into penalty shoot outs to determine who carries the day.

Gambo Mohammed had initially put the Pyramids boys ahead in the 25th minute before Prime Fc ‘s striker and tournament’s highest goals scorer Akor Isah leveled up for the National League side.

In the ensuing penalty shootout Reuben Gabriel and Pappa Idris; both members of the Super Eagles team failed to convert their kicks thereby giving Prime FC the advantage and the much deserved victory.

Prime FC were dubbed the giant killers in this year’s Federation Cup defeating the likes of Enyimba and Enugu Rangers