BY SAB OSUJI

Despite improved performance, Heartland fell o-1 to Enyimba in Saturday's epic Oriental clash inside Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

Stephen Chukwude's 82nd minute headed on on the near post after a short corner kicked ensured Kennedy Boboye first,game in charge resulted in Heartland's first home defeat of the season.

And it forced the Naze Millionaires further deep into the drop zone with the Arugo Boyes now losing 24 points out of the maximum 30 and live 'comfortably' in the 20 Avenue of the NPFL pack.

The result also means Boboye, two time NPFL winner with Plateau United and Akwa United gnashing his teeth having failed his first Baptism Of Fire as Technical helmsman of the crisis-riden and struggling Heartland who have tossed away precious 24 points from the available 30 in the 10-week old 2023/2024 NPFL season.

How the five time champions can revamp their campaign remains to bee seen after Sunday's Oriental Defeat By the George Finidi People's Elephant.

Mathematically, it looks like Heartland are courting another spell in the difficult NNL and this will not be fair given Boboye's effort in few days in charge.

"With 28 games still on the card, anything can still happen but it would amount to a carmel passing through the eye of a noddle for Heartland to sail afloat and off relegation at the close of the season", offers a female fan after the game on Saturday.

"To recover 24 points and then fight for survival under the circumstances is pretty tough. It goes beyond prayers, it goes beyond the coaches and players at this moment.

"Questiin is, can the government and Management of the club be up to the scratch in terms of the funds and political powerplay.

"It will be sad if the club goes down again, the third time in five seasons", the female who refused to reveal her name for fear of victimisation said.

"You don't have to put my name in the media. I live here in Owerri. Or do you want people to harrass me?", she rhetorically asked.