Reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Enyimba have finally broken their eight-year winless run over rivals, Heartland of Owerri.
The People’s Elephant recorded their first win over the Nazi Millionaires since 2015 at the Dan Ayam Stadium on Saturday in the Oriental Derby.
As expected, the derby was keenly contested by the two Southeastern teams which saw the first-half end goalless.
Both sides had chances to put the ball into the back of the net in the first half but none was converted.
Enyimba’s striker, Chijioke Mbaoma was close to giving the champions the lead early in the game but his effort was inches away frok goal.
Divine Ukadike back-to-back long range strikes were saved by Enyimba’s shot-stopper Ani Ozoemena to keep the scoreline the same
The second half also had the same narrative as the first with both teams struggling to convert their chances.
It appeared the Oriental Derby would end goalless after 82nd minutes of football but Enyimba’s substitute Stephen Chukwude made the difference.
Chukwude broke the deadlock with his first touch in the game as he gave Finidi George’s side a famous goal, three points and victory over Heartland.
The victories over Bendel Insurance and Heartland have catapulted Enyimba from the bottom half of the table to 5th.
Enyimba now have 16 points after 9 games as they look to defend their title after a difficult start to the season.
