Heartland pip Kano Pillars to 2023 Nigeria National League title

By Wale Mustapha

Heartland FC have won the 2022/2023 Nigeria National League, NNL after beating Kano Pillars by 2-0 in the final of the Super 8 playoffs decided on Friday in Asaba, Delta State.

The encounter was to determine the eventual winner of the season having already secured their promotion to the apex league in Nigeria along with Sporting Lagos and Katsina United.

Francis Erikan and Fabian Omaka scored two second half goals for the Naze Millionaires who reconfirmed their supremacy over Pillars.

Both sides canceled each other out in the first half with few chances created.

The second half was more of Heartland’s who got their goals in the spate 15 minutes.

Heartland were eventually crowned NNL champions having gone through the abridged season and playoffs unbeaten.

Heartland duo of Francis Erikan and Chisom Chiaga won the best player and best goalkeeper awards, Fair Play award went to Stormers Sporting Club while Akin Solomon of Madiba FC won the highest goal scorer award at the end of regular and playoffs season.