Coach Finidi George led Rivers United to inflict a second straight loss for Heartland, who were handled by another former Super Eagles star, Emmanuel Amuneke.
Both coaches were recently in the race to lead the Super Eagles.
Rivers won 3-1 at home for their first win of the new NPFL season.
‘The Pride of Rivers’ opened scoring after just three minutes, when Taofeek Otaniyi put them ahead.
Heartland fought back to draw level in first half stoppage time courtesy of Christian Molokwu.
However, the home team turned on the style after the break with a brace by Kabir Abdullahi (68 minute, stoppage time).
It was the second straight loss for Heartland, who were re-admitted to the NPFL after Beyond Limits FA could not be registered.
They fell 3-1 at home in their opening game to regional rivals Enyimba.
