Heartland of Owerri on Wednesday crashed out of the 2025 President Federation Cup following a  5-4 penalty kicks defeat by Rangers.

The match which is one of the Federation Cup Round of 32 games was played at Awka City Stadium.

After a scoreless draw in the first half, Isaac Nassy gave Heartland the lead with a 70th minute goal quite against the run of play.

The highly entertaining attracted large spectator turn out and as Heartland kept defending tightly, Rangers in their all-white jerseys continued to pile pressure on the Naze Millionaires.

Their efforts paid off in the 85th minute when Isaac Saviour came to the rescue of the Flying Antelopes with an equaliser from a free kick.

After a 1-1 stalemate at full time, the two teams went into penalty kicks to determine who advances to the Round of 16.

Rangers converted their first four kicks while Heartland lost two of their first four kicks, bringing the final scores to 5-3.

Meanwhile, the Naze Millionaires left the Awka City Stadium an unhappy lot. Despite the defeat, they felt one of the former players of the club and now Chairman of Anambra State Football Association, Chikelue Iloenyosi, was not fair to them.

They claimed that he 'controlled' the referee from afar as he sat on the open space across the pitch.

"This is not fair. He controlled the referee from afar. We're not happy at all", laments the club's Sporting Director, simply called Sewu.

Heartland will face Kano Pillars in an NPFL matchday 32 clash at Dan Anyiam Stadium on Saturday, 5 April, 2025.