Heartland Rock Rangers in Oriental Derby Upset, Boost Survival Hopes

In a dramatic twist to the Nigeria Premier Football League season, Heartland FC delivered a stunning 2-0 victory over reigning champions Rangers International in their Oriental Derby showdown at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Sunday.

The match saw Suraju Lawal put Heartland in front with a composed finish in the 21st minute, silencing the home crowd. Just minutes after the break, Isaac Nassy doubled the lead for the Naze Millionaires, who showed grit and precision on enemy soil.

The win is a massive morale boost for Emmanuel Amuneke’s men, who are deep in the fight for survival this season. Heartland now move up to 14th place on the log with 41 points from 33 matches, inching closer to safety with just a few games left.

💭 Opinion: A Derby Win That Feels Like a Cup Final

Heartland’s triumph wasn’t just about three points — it was about belief, redemption, and resilience. Beating the champions on their own turf is no easy feat, and doing so with such confidence sends a strong message: Heartland are not going down without a fight.

On the flip side, the result deals a significant blow to Rangers’ top-three ambitions, casting shadows over their continental qualification hopes. Perhaps a timely wake-up call for a team that looked comfortably in control just weeks ago.

If this derby has proven anything, it’s that in football, form flies out the window when rivalry is on the line — and Heartland just reminded us all why the Oriental Derby is one of Nigeria’s fiercest football battles.