Two goals in each half by Heartland Football Club of Owerri condemned Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia to their second home loss in the ongoing 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
Abia Warriors' gaffer, Imama Amapakabo, stuck to the same starting lineup that won away at Benin against Bendel Insurance.
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It was the Warriors who were on top of proceedings, but against the run of play, they fell behind in the 12th minute due to a long throw that Michael Ogu floated into the net for the opener.
Umu Chineke went in search of the equalizer, with Daniel Ekpo and Paul Sampson asking questions from the wings.
It was a flurry for the home side, but they failed to capitalize in the final third.
The first half ended with the visitors leading by that 12th-minute goal.
Upon resumption of play, the Warriors took the game to the visitors, who defended in numbers to ward off any threat.
In the 67th minute, Coach Amapakabo brought on the trio of Ayodele Ezekiel, Yakub Hammed, and Izuchukwu Christian Olewunne in place of Daniel Ekpo, Philip Ewuga, and Paul Sampson.
Despite Abia Warriors enjoying most of the possession, it was the visitors who doubled their lead in the first minute of added time when substitute Agor Chukwuma tapped home a squared ball to make it 2-0, throwing Heartland's supporters into a frenzy as they defeated Abia Warriors at home for the first time in the league.
Up next for Abia Warriors is an away game against Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi at the Lafia City Stadium.
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