Heartland FC of Owerri yesterday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, upset pre-match favorites, Enyimba International FC, 1-0 to emerge 2011 Federation Cup Champions.

The match, played before partisan supporters of the hugely followed rival clubs from the Eastern part of Nigeria was as explosive as it was exciting.

Indeed, the match, which received so much hype was a good advertisement for Nigerian clubside football, as Heartland and Enyimba matched each other grit for grit and skill for skill.

Apparently buoyed by the presence of Imo State Governor, Owelle Roachas Okorocha, Heartland started the match on better footing than Enyimba, who was widely tipped to be in better form following their campaign in the CAF champions League. But it was Heartland’s Osar Okoro, Stanley Ohawuchi and Ibenegbu marshalled midfield and attack that put Enyimba on the back foot, especially in the first half.

Tried as much as Enyimba did to give as much as they got, Heartland did not concede any quarters as it proved to be an end to end action.

Heartland’s superior possession and perhaps, determination seemed to lift them above their opponents.

Also, their excellent positional play, runs and passes threw the people’s elephant off-balance. As the first half looked like it would end on a barren note, Heartland’s goal arrived. A lofted cross from the left was not dealt by Enyimba defence, only for Nwachukwu to nod power- fully, which keeper John Lawrence could only palm down and skipper Chinedu Efugh scrambled home.

Tonye Orabere, Nancy Briggs