Abia derby ends in stalemate

Posted : 18 November 2024

The much-publicized Abia derby between Abia Warriors of Umuahia and Enyimba International of Aba in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League ended in a stalemate as both sides shared the spoils in a pulsating 1-1 draw.

The game lived up to its billing as a true El Clásico, with teeming fans from both clubs filling the Umuahia Township Stadium to be entertained by the best two teams in Abia State.

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Abia Warriors' gaffer, Imama Amapakabo, made only two changes to the side that lost to Lobi Stars of Makurdi at the Lafia City Stadium, as shot stopper Sharp Uzoigwe and utility player Wilson Elu replaced Ali Ishaku and Innocent Godwin, respectively.

Spectators were still making their way into the stadium when the visitors took the lead inside nine minutes, albeit in a seemingly controversial manner.

Enyimba winger Clinton Jephta drove into enemy territory from the right wing and unleashed a thunderous shot from a tight angle. The ball appeared to hit the side net and drop into the net. The center referee, Adeniyi Abdulramah from Lagos State, awarded the goal, but the Warriors' players protested the decision and pointed to the ripped part of the net. Despite their objections, the referee stood his ground to the consternation of the home side's bench.

The game had to be stopped for the ripped part of the net to be stitched before proceedings could continue.

Despite the controversy, the Warriors resumed play and came out all guns blazing in search of the equalizer. It was pressure after pressure, forcing the visitors to concede numerous corner kicks that they failed to capitalize on.

Nonetheless, in the 22nd minute, they were on level terms.

After a well-orchestrated team play involving Sunday Megwo, Daniel Ekpo, and Yakub Hammed, Adejoh Ojonugwa struck from the edge of the box for the equalizer, with Enyimba keeper Ani Ozoemena helpless.

The goal spurred the home side to push for more, but Enyimba's defense ensured the first period ended in a draw.

The second half became more cagey as both sides canceled each other out. Despite wholesale substitutions from both sides, no further goals were scored, and the two Oriental Brothers shared the spoils.

Up next for Abia Warriors is a tie against Rivers United in Port Harcourt in a Matchday 13 fixture on Sunday, Nov. 24.

Abia derby ends in stalemate

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