In a pre-season friendly at the Awka City Stadium, Oriental rivals Rangers and Heartland played out a 1-1 draw.
Rangers took the lead just before half-time when Joel Okoro capitalized on a delightful pass from Chukwudi Nwaodu.
Heartland equalized in the 53rd minute with Tunde Oyewole finding the back of the net after being left unmarked inside the box.
Despite both teams’ efforts to score more goals, excellent saves from Rangers’ goalkeeper Emeka Onyia and Heartland’s goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha ended the match with a level score.
Rangers and Abia Warriors will begin their 2023-24 Nigeria Professional Football League campaign against Doma United and Niger Tornadoes respectively.
The new season is set to commence on September 9.