Chukwudi Nwaodu ‘s 37th minute strike made the difference for the Naze Millionaires in a pulsating encounter at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
Nonso Nzediegwu, Chijioke Mbaoma and Jonas Emmanuel dominated the early exchanges for Heartland in search of an early goal.
Jonas came close to the opener in 15th minute but failed to finish after Nonso Nzediegwu’s trickery provided a glorious opportunity.
The Tourists gave the host a scare in the 31st minute. A defensive blunder from Solomon Moses and Awoji Victor pressed the panic button but Aliyu Abubakar’s cross was easily dealt with by Godwin Paul in goal for Heartland.
Five minutes later ,Uchenna Udeh handled the ball in the box for a penalty to Heartland. Skipper Chukwudi Nwaodu stepped up in the 37th minute to beat Galadima Mohammed in goal for Wikki.
Undeterred by the goal Wikki continued to search and probe for an equalizer. Abdulrahman Bashir almost punished Heartland in the 43rd minute but Godwin Paul saved Heartland’s blushes.
The Naze Millionaires in the second period turned the heat on the visiting team in search of an insurance goal. Chibuike Nwaiwu was at the centre of everything positive for Heartland, breaking up play, making incisive passes and darting runs at the opposition, and even hit the woodwork.
Heartland came close to a second in the 70th minute but Samuel Okon failed to capitalize on a defensive mix up but forced a save from the Wikki goalie.
Nwaiwu drove into enemy territory and let fly but his shot ricocheted off the woodwork , Jonas Emmanuel fluffed his lines and failed to finish off the rebound.
Wikki tried to muster some response through Nelson Abiam but his strike went wide.
Heartland have so far garnered 7 points from 5 games. Her next date will be in Okigwe against Oriental brothers Abia Warriors.
