Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahiacontinued their good run in the Nigeria Premier Football League as they recorded their fifth win in their last six outings with a comfortable 3-0 victory over visiting Sunshine Stars of Akure at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Two goals in the first half and a late goal in the second minute of added time gave Umu Chineke all the points at stake, in a thrilling encounter that saw spectators sit at the edges of their seats.
Coach Imama Amapakabo of Abia Warriors made two changes to the squad that defeated Akwa United in the previous league fixture with Ojonugwa Adejoh and Paul Samson getting the gaffer’s nod in places of Yakub Hammed and Emmanuel Onu.
It was a game of two halves as the Warriors dominated the first 45 minutes whereas, the visitors had more of the possession in the second period.
The Warriors went into the lead in the 18th minute when a ferocious cross from Ayodele Ezekiel was headed at goal by Anthony Ijoma, and Sunshine Stars, Chidozie Iwundu inadvertently turned the ball into his own net for the Warriors first goal.
After a good spell, Anthony Ijoma doubled the lead for the Warriors in the 36th minute with a simple finish, after being put through on goal from Ojonugwa Adejoh’s devastating defence-splitting pass.
It ended 2-0 for the home side in the first half, and the visitors came out fighting in the second half, but the day belonged to the Warriors as second half substitute, Ogunjimi Samuel scored from a tight angle off a Nur Muhammed’s cross in the second of the added four minutes to send the spectators into frenzy.
It was Ogunjimi’s second goal in as many league games as his goal ended the match as a contest.
Up next for the Warriors is Abia State FA Cup semi final clash against Ahudiyannem FC of Abiriba at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Tuesday, 11th February 2025, by 3pm.
