By Jacob Ajom
Heartland FC of Owerri made a successful defence of the Federation Cup when they beat hard- pressing Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-1 in the final of the 2012 edition decided at the Teslim Balogun Stadium yesterday.

Heartland team

It was indeed heart break for Lobi who were looking to carry the day and make their dream for a double this season come true. But it all turned into a nightmare as Heartland grabbed the winner, during  injury time after both sides were level at 1-1 with only four minutes to full time.

They were only waiting for the referee’s final whistle, for the penalty shootout to begin. Heartland brought in veteran penalty stopper, Chijioke ‘Arugo Monkey’  Ejiogu in anticipation of penalty kicks.

However, in the 87th minute Osa Okoro turned the game on its head when he made a pinpoint cross that found the head of substitute Bredan Ogbu and it was lights out for Lobi.

“In football you will always have a winner. May be this is where God want us to reach. We were looking for a double, but we still have one game to go in the league. Let’s wait and see what will happen,” said Lobi chairman,  Dominic Iorfa.

Ogbu was crowned man of the match and went home with N550,000. Heartland’s reward was N2m, while Lobi received N1m. Third placed Prime got N500,000, while highest goal scorer Isa Akom was N200,000 richer.