Midfielder Ikechukwu Ibenegbu has said Heartland are more interested in the three points at stake against Lobi Stars than avenging for the first fixture defeat.

The Match day 27 clash holds on Sunday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

The Makurdi-based side pipped Heartland 1-0 in the first fixture in Abuja.

Ibenegbu told the press that the uppermost issue on their minds are the three points as well as improving on their position on the log.

"Payback or revenge never crossed our minds, we only need to grab the three points and forge ahead, at least, to push us up on the log.

"We played a tough match against Jigawa Golden Stars on Thursday, our lone goal coming in the dying minutes. I think that game has prepared and toughened us for the tie against Lobi," said Ibenegbu.

The Nigerian playmaker said his side are well positioned to win the league title.

"We want to make a quick return to the continent, so we've spoken to ourselves after the Confederation Cup exit to double our efforts to finish top or, at least, among the best four.

"We may not have picked an away win but we've won nine points on the road.

"We've vowed not to lose at away, at least, if we cannot win outright we should share points and in that way our dream will still be realised," he said.

The 2009 Caf Champions League finalists have picked 31 points from a possible 75 though with four matches at hand against Sunshine Stars, Ocean Boys, Niger Tornadoes and Rising Stars.