2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 9: Abia Warriors compound Bendel Insurance woes

Posted : 28 October 2024

A 40th-minute goal by Abia Warriors hitman Sunday Megwo was all that Umu Chineke needed to defeat Bendel Insurance 1-0 and secure their first away win in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League season.

It was a superlative display from the Warriors, ensuring a well-deserved victory and condemning the Benin Arsenals to their first home loss of the campaign.

Abia Warriors gaffer Imama Amapakabo made only one change to the side that defeated Plateau United 3-1 in Umuahia, with Wilson Elu taking the place of Emmanuel Ogbuagu, who couldn't make the trip due to illness.

The game commenced in a cagey affair as both sides canceled each other out. There was no margin for error, as the encounter was highly tactical.

Nonetheless, as the proceedings progressed, the Warriors gradually began to look dangerous in attack, with the trio of Paul Sampson, Sunday Megwo, and Daniel Ekpo imposing themselves.

It was not surprising to see them take the lead in the 40th minute when Sunday Megwo demonstrated his predatory instincts to give Umu Chineke the lead.

After receiving the ball in the center circle, Innocent Godwin laid a simple pass to Paul Sampson, who skipped past his marker to cross the ball into the box for the on-rushing Sunday Megwo to tap into the net, silencing the home crowd.

The first half ended 0-1 in favor of the visitors, and the second period began with the home side pushing for a goal.

At the other end, just two minutes into the second half, the Warriors could have doubled their lead.

A delightful cross from Sunday Megwo picked out the unmarked Philip Ewuga inside the six-yard box with the goalkeeper at his mercy, but he misfired, much to the consternation of the Warriors' bench and relief for the home fans.

Having survived that scare, the home side played with urgency, but the Warriors stifled their attempts, warding off any threats from the Benin Arsenals. Instead, it was Umu Chineke who almost scored again.

There was a good square play from Ewuga to locate Megwo inside the opponents' box, and the striker took a first-time shot that Insurance keeper Joshua Baba parried for a corner kick to Abia Warriors.

Despite wholesale substitutions from both sides, no further goals were scored as Umu Chineke held on to beat Bendel Insurance for the first time in three outings.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 9: Abia Warriors compound Bendel Insurance woes

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