BY SAB OSUJI

Tuesdays rescheduled 2023/2024 NPFL match Day 31 fixture involving Enyimba and Heartland is one to go down in history for obvious reasons.

It's a game that will dey the 'Oriental Derby' tradition. It will also shape the continental ambition of the hosts, Enyimba, and equally, the Survival dream of the visitors, Heartland.

Heartland are in race against the dreaded relegation and cannot afford to drop point in this one. On the other hand, Enyimba are inches away from the top three finish for a spot in the continent. None of the two close border rivals can afford to shift ground.

In recent past, Heartland have had a better head-to-head advantage over Enyimba in games involving the two rivals. And the Naze Millionaires are weighing heavily on this factor as Tuesday, April 16, 2024, zeroes in. They need all or one of the points at stake. Anything short will not augur well for their redemption song.

They will be returning to a familiar ground. This time, as guests, unlike their last two visits when they hosted Rangers and Sporting Lagos.

Coach Christian Obi is fast losing weight because of the huge task of steering the five time champions ashore. He's continued to flip and rehearse his technical books in search of tactical options. This time, the task is more challenging and he's not unaware of it.

Perhaps, an element of luck could be invoked. Owerri football freaks, will, no doubt, empty into near-by Aba for this big show. But where will the pendulum of victory swing to? Your guess is as good as mine. Remember the '90 Minutes At Entebe'. This time, it could be '90 Minutes of Football War at Aba'.