2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 36: Abia Warriors further compound Gombe United's misery

Posted : 13 June 2024

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A brace from Obi Samson and a first league goal for second-half substitute Antoine Desouza earned Abia Warriors the maximum points in the Matchday 36 encounter of the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League, played at Pantami Stadium, Gombe.

It was the second away win for the Pride of Abia, and an important one as they look to cement their premiership status.

Coach Bethel Oji made one change to the side that drew at home against Bendel Insurance of Benin, with Meme Okike replacing Emmanuel Onu.

The Warriors took the game to the home side with high pressing right from the first blast of the referee's whistle, and they thought they had taken the lead in the 7th minute, only for Paschal Nwabueze's goal to be ruled out for offside.

Nonetheless, the Warriors were not to be denied in the 10th minute, as Nwabueze danced his way into Gombe United's box before providing a delightful pass to Obi, who scored from six yards.

It was a deserved lead as Abia Warriors had enjoyed most of the possession.

However, a momentary lack of concentration from the Warriors' defence allowed the home side to equalize in the 24th minute through Abba Maigari.

That goal was the only decent chance from Gombe United in the entire first half, and they made it count.

Despite the numerous chances that came their way, Abia Warriors failed to convert as the first half ended 1-1.

Another concern for the Umuahia Warlords was Sunday Megwo, who was replaced by Ayodele Ezekiel in added time of the first period due to appearing in some discomfort.

Abia Warriors commenced the second half with the same intensity, pinning the home side in their own half with Nwabueze, Obi, and Ayodele Ezekiel giving the opponents a serious task, while Adejoh Ojonugwa and Daniel Wotlai bossed the midfield.

It was only a matter of time before another goal went the way of the visitors, and so it did in the 50th minute as Obi received the ball in Gombe United's half, held off his marker, raced through the opponent's defence, and showed composure to shoot beyond the on-rushing goalkeeper to complete his brace.

By now, it was all Abia Warriors, as Gombe United resorted to counter-attacks that were effectively dealt with by the visitors.

Antoine Desouza replaced Meme Okike at the hour mark, and 10 minutes later, he scored the away side's third goal following a good build-up from the middle of the park involving Wotlai and Ojonugwa, and then to the wing, with the latter directing a well-tailored pass to Ezekiel on the right flank. The youngster controlled beautifully with his left foot before using his weaker foot to pick out Desouza, who headed into the net.

Gombe United came all out in the closing stages in search of a goal, but Abia Warriors defended stoutly to end the game 3-1 in their favor.

Up next for the Pride of Abia is a Matchday 37 encounter against Akwa United Football Club of Uyo, in Umuahia on June 16, 2024.

2023/2024 NPFL Match Day 36: Abia Warriors further compound Gombe United's misery

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