BY SAB OSUJI

Clinton Jephta's brace dwarfed all the thrilling performance of Heartla d youngsters in an enthralling Oriental Derby Sunday at Dan Anyia. Stadium, Owerri, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Enyimba scored thrice in just ten minutes in the second period to cancel out Lawal Suraju's 53rd minute opener for the home side.

It was all down to a momentary loss of concentration on the part of the Naze Millionaires as Enyimba cruised past their hosts to set themselves on winning mentality lane going into the weekend's CAF Champions League trip to Djoliba of Mali in Bamako.

Enyimba enjoyed much of the opening half possession, bossing their hosts for all they cared and wanted. But it was the Naze Millionaires who 'warned' their guests with four well carved out scoring opportunities but were let down by inexperience in the final third.

The People's Elephant's would however heed the warning, with Alade firing straight into the net after goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha punched onto his path a fiercer right footed effort from close range. But before Alade and his teammates could begin the celebration, the offside flag was seen up on the far side.

Just a minute into the two minutes of storage time, Heartland were presented another golden opportunity to go in front when Captain Chijioke Opara teed the ball inside the Enyimba area but striker Lawal Suraju's stretched leg couldn't get a touch on it and Enyimba breathed a sigh of relief.

Both sides would go into the half time break on equal terms but things changed just eight (8) minutes after the restart.

Suraju would give home side something special to cheer about as he came to the finishing end of a delicate passing game from the left hand side after Enyimba goalkeeper could not hold firm a sleeky cross from 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup winning Golden Eaglets ace, Anumudu Udochukwu.

The stadium went wild with jubilation. It was a fitting reward for the home side that have fought on all blades of the grass to hold on.

But the joy of the lead could only last for eight minutes before the People's Elephant's restored parity when Ifeanyi Ihemekwele cued his effort over goalkeeper Chiaha for the equaliser.

Apparently undone by the goal, Heartland appeared to lose steam and Clinton Jephta would get the Elephant's in front for the first time in the game. 

Jephta got his brace on the night minutes later from a corner kick as Enyimba hold a 3-1 advantage going into the final 25 minutes of the game.