2024 President Federation Cup: Abia Warriors get first historic appearance in finals

Posted : 21 June 2024

You can now watch all NPFL matches Live: https://www.africasport.net/npfl/home/

It was wild celebration in Lafia for the Abia Warriors Football Club team and supporters as the Umuahia warlords made it to the final of the 2024 President Federation Cup for the first time after beating former champions, Kano Pillars Football Club, 4-3 on penalties, following a goalless draw in their semi-final game during regulation time.

It was a tension-soaked match that drew teeming football fans to the Lafia City Stadium.

Abia Warriors gaffer, Coach Bethel Oji, made two changes to the squad that beat Akwa United Football Club 2-0 last Sunday in Umuahia in the penultimate encounter of the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League, with goalkeeper Ali Ishaku and midfield warlord Daniel Wotlai taking the places of veteran goalkeeper Femi Thomas and Arinze Ogbonna, respectively.

The match started with Kano Pillars according respect to the Warriors, and understandably so, having lost twice this season in the Nigeria Premier Football League to their opponents.

However, as the game wore on, the Sai Masu Gida gradually started to enjoy most of the ball possession, whereas the Warriors looked dangerous on the counter.

For all their possession, they could not break down the Warriors' defense.

The only concern for Abia Warriors was a forced substitution due to injury after Prince Okorie was replaced by Arinze Ogbonna, the latter moving into the midfield while Daniel Wotlai partnered with Collins Nwoburuoke at the heart of the defense.

The second half started with the Pillars taking the game to the Warriors, with veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali at the thick of things.

However, they met a stubborn Abia Warriors defense marshalled by Wotlai and Nwoburuoke.

As the Pillars were on the ascendancy, Coach Bethel Oji quickly made a tactical change, introducing Abia Warriors playmaker Emmanuel Onu and striker Antoine Desouza into the fray; Samson Obi and Meme Okike were the players sacrificed.

And that switch turned the play in favor of the Pride of Abia, as Onu began orchestrating Abia Warriors' play, while Antoine Desouza and Sunday Megwo asked questions of the opponents' defense.

After the end of the regulation period and five minutes of added time shown by the fourth official, with the scoreline still 0-0, the lottery of a penalty shootout was required to decide which team would go to the final. Abia Warriors emerged victorious after converting all their penalty kicks, while Kano Pillars missed two of their spot kicks, with Ali Ishaku saving one of those.

2024 President Federation Cup: Abia Warriors get first historic appearance in finals

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics