Hope-ful Obi ends 17-match winless streak after derby delight for Heartland

Christian Obi finally has his first win as Heartland manager after the Naze Millionaires saw off local rivals Abia Warriors 2-0 in a pulsating Oriental Derby clash in Akwa.

It was a long overdue victory for Obi, who had overseen a 17-match winless run since he led Heartland back to the NPFL.

But goals from Onyekachi Okafor and Ikechukwu Mgbemena sealed all three points and gave Heartland their first NPFL triumph in over two months.

The home side hadn't tasted victory since a 3-1 success over Remo Stars back in January, so this local bragging rights victory will be particularly sweet.

Both goals came in the space of four blistering first half minutes in the encounter that saw the teams teams finish the tie with ten men each following two second half red cards.

Despite the vital victory  while also ending a nine-match winless streak that had been hanging over the club, Heartland remain deeply rooted in relegation waters as they sit 19th.

For under-fire boss Obi, you could see the relief on his face at full-time as the monkey was finally off his back in dramatic fashion.

This could prove the perfect tonic to kickstart Heartland’s revival - and you can bet Pulse Sports will keep you up to date as they bid to pull clear of danger in the NPFL run-in.