2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 30: 10-Man Abia Warriors beat Heartland 1-0 in Owerri

Posted : 25 March 2025

Former Heartland star midfielder, Adejoh Ojonugwa's exquisite 80th-minute free kick secured a 1-0 victory for 10-man Abia Warriors over Heartland in an Oriental derby at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

Ojonugwa, captain for the week 30 Nigeria Professional Football League encounter, who joined Abia Warriors from the Owerri outfit, had struck the bar minutes earlier. However, he infuriated his former employers when his second attempt found the net, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.

The goal came after Abia Warriors were reduced to 10 men due to defender Emmanuel Ogbuagu's dismissal for a second bookable offense.

Undeterred by the red card, the Warriors intensified their attack on their Oriental rivals, with strike partners Sunday Megwo and Anthony Ijoma leading the charge. Eventually, the Umuahia warlords took the lead, which they maintained until the final whistle.

The Warriors, having lost the reverse fixture at the Umuahia Township Stadium 2-0, were determined to avenge that defeat from the outset.

Abia Warriors Technical Adviser, Imama Amapakabo, made only one change to the side that defeated Bendel Insurance in their previous home fixture, replacing Innocent Godwin with the experienced Wilson Elu.

The game began explosively, with both sides attacking each other directly. However, the hosts gradually applied pressure as the first half progressed, but failed to breach the Warriors' defense.

The Warriors nearly took the lead in the 27th minute when Ayodele Ezekiel, receiving a precise pass from Ojonugwa, cut inside and shot, but his effort hit the bar.

The hosts responded in the 38th minute with a goal-mouth scramble, but Warriors goalkeeper, Sharp Uzoigwe, made a fantastic save to deny them.

The first half ended goalless, and the Warriors started the second half more aggressively, forcing the hosts to chase the ball.

A tactical substitution saw Paul Samson replaced by Innocent Godwin after Ogbuagu's red card, and from then on, Umu Chineke began to threaten.

In the 75th minute, Ojonugwa's free kick from 33 yards hit the crossbar, and five minutes later, the skillful midfielder put the visitors ahead with another free kick.

Stunned, the hosts attempted to retaliate, but the Warriors defended resolutely to secure a well-deserved victory.

Abia Warriors' next fixture is a midweek match against Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 30: 10-Man Abia Warriors beat Heartland 1-0 in Owerri

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics