Kwara United technical adviser, Samson Unuanel has said his side's barren draw against Sharks in the Glo Premier League Matchday 23 encounter in llorin was the magic wand that saw his wards overpower Heartland in Owerri.

The Afonja Warriors pipped the Naze Millionaires 1-0 on Matchday 24 encounter at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

Sidi Lawal grabbed the match winner in the 55th minute to take his side points haul to 38 from total of 72.

Unuanel said his side's decision to shun the Eid-El Fitri holidays has paid off handsomely for the llorin-based side.

"Of course, the victory is well deserved. We worked very hard as well as prayed hard for the victory. We never celebrated the holidays, we worked throughout and thank God we've been handsomely rewarded.

"We know we never win any match in the second stanza we decided to throw in everything into the game aware that Owerri like llorin is a place if you play very well you are sure to get the desired result. We came out to play and were ably rewarded.

"I think the point we dropped at home against Sharks is the motivation for this hard fought victory against Heartland.

"Heartland fought hard to cancel our lead but I thank God we survived all the onslaught they throw at us," said the former Ocean Boys said.

Unuanel said the victory against Heartland will be a motivation to tackle Enugu Rangers in the Thursday's Glo Premier League Matchday 25 at the Kwara State Stadium, llorin.
"Of course, the victory will be a great boost when we host Enugu Rangers in llorin on Thursday.

"We don't like drawing our matches, at least, we've learnt our lessons against Sharks, we'll be waiting for Rangers and will surely give them a good fight," Unuanel said.