Nigeria: Kofarmata’s Strike Disunites Gombe

Bantus Ugorji

18 May 2011

Heartland’s Bello Kofarmata became an instant hero in his side hard fought week 21 premier league 1-0 win over Gombe United on Sunday at the Dan Anyiam stadium, Owerri.

Kofarmata scored in the 78th minute to give the Owerri based side the vital three points that took their points to 30 and a slight leap on the log after Sharks dented their ambitious re-start of the league last Wednesday in Port Harcourt.

Kofomata, who has brought his goal haul in the premier league to five, had early lost penalty kick in the 53rd minute in an encounter Gombe’s goalkeeper Yusuf Ahmed did everything to ensure that the score remained at 1-0. Ahmed who was singled out as the revelation of the week 21 game by the Naze Millionaires spokesman, Cajetan Nkwopara told SuperSport.com that credit for the slim goal margin right should go to the agility of the goalkeeper.

“Ahmed stood between Heartland and the goal, while our keeper was virtually on holidays, the Gombe keeper did a yeoman’s job to stop every move by our boys toward scoring, he saved Kofarmata penalty in the 53rd minute before he carved in to Kofarmata’s 78th minute header.

“He was a revelation and if you asked me the man of the match, so Gombe have him to thank for the 1-0 scoreline because the battle was simply between him and Heartland and he proved his mettle.”

Nkwopara who gave credit to their newly recruited players for bringing character to the team is however hopeful that Heartland’s away win drought may end on Wednesday (today) when they visit Niger Tornadoes.

“Ndubuisi Nkoro debuted today (Sunday), Kingsley Salami debuted in Port Harcourt against Sharks, the same as Suleiman Ahmed, Charles Ikenna among others. All the new players are impressive and their impacts are giving Heartland character.

“Away win is not what you decide as you leave your house, it comes at times when you least expected it, we will fight for it against Niger Tornadoes on Wednesday. In fact, with the caliber of players in our fold I think we are almost there,” he said.

AllAfrica – All the Time