Heartland and Enyimba played out an eventful goalless draw at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri in what was a rescheduled Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday 22 clash.
The hosts had the biggest opportunities to score and even came the closest to goal after forward Abdulrahman Bashir hit the woodwork with eight minutes left on the clock.
The clash was the last league game before the World Cup break as confirmed by the League Management Company (LMC).
Bottom club Heartland needed a win to considerably close the gap on those above them in the relegation zone only for the Naze Millionaires to get a solitary point which only moves them to 20 points and nine points from safety.
On the other hand, Enyimba climb above Plateau United into fourth spot with 38 points thus putting them within five points of league leaders Lobi Stars in the race for the title.
TEAMS
Heartland: Japhet Opubo; Uche Oguchi, Chukwudi Oparaugo, Julius Ubido, Kenneth Ikwugbado, Emmanuel Olowo (Macmarcel Obioha 75′), Nnamdi Egbujor, Abiodun Thompson, Fortune Omoniwari ( Moses Akinade 90′), Zeidine Ahimeye, Francis Momoh( Fuad Ekelojouti 77′).
Unused substitutes: Itua Osayi; Onyebuchi Onyechefula, Amaechi Orji, Chimankpa Onwubuchi.
Enyimba: Theophilus Afelokhai; Andrew Abalogu, Ikouwem Utin, Ernest Governor, Isiaka Oladuntoye, Uche John, Abdulrahman Bashir, Jean-Marie Guiera, Mustapha Ibrahim (Chinonso Okonkwo 65′), Austin Oladapo, Joseph Osadiaye (Freedom Omofoman 90′)
Unused substitutes: Friday Achimugwu; Ifeanyi Anaemena, Maxwell Effiom, Mfon Udoh.
