Abia Warriors cement premiership status with 2-0 win over Akwa United

Posted : 16 June 2024

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Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia cemented their Premier League status with a commanding 2-0 victory over their South-South neighbors, Akwa United Football Club of Uyo, in the Matchday 37 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League played at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

A brace from Abia Warriors' hitman, Sunday Megwo, who scored in each half, decided the match.

The game had generated much anxiety and suspense among supporters of both clubs prior to kickoff, as both teams battled for survival.

Home coach Bethel Oji made three changes to the side that defeated Gombe United 3-1 away at the Pantami Stadium four days earlier. Veteran goalkeeper Femi Thomas, Arinze Ogbonna, and Ayodele Ezekiel replaced Ali Ishaku, Daniel Wotlai, and Paschal Nwabueze, respectively.

Whatever the coach told his boys had the intended effect as they charged at their neighbors from the onset. Within three minutes of play, spectators had something to cheer about.

A well-tailored pass from Ayodele Ezekiel to Sunday Megwo saw the striker control the ball inside the box, dribble past his marker, and use his left foot to slam the ball into the roof of the net for the opener. It was a beautiful goal and a deserved lead for the home side.

The goal spurred the Pride of Umuahia as they attacked relentlessly. Samson Obi and Sunday Megwo were a constant nuisance for the Promise Keepers.

Despite their dominance, Abia Warriors failed to add a second goal as the first half ended 1-0 in their favor.

Akwa United tried to take the game to the Warriors as the second half began, but the Umuahia lads were having none of it. They repelled everything thrown at them rigorously and maintained dominance in midfield, where Ojonugwa Adejoh and Arinze Ogbonna reigned supreme.

After waves of attacks by the Warriors, they deservedly made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute.

A long ball into Akwa United's box was chipped over the onrushing goalkeeper by Meme Okike. As the ball was about to cross the goal line, an Akwa United player headed it out, and Sunday Megwo reacted quickest to head the ball into the net to complete his brace and send Abia Warriors supporters into delirium.

Akwa United were rattled after that and threw everything at their opponents in search of a goal, but the defensive quartet of Aliyu Mohammed, Collins Nwoburuoke, Prince Okorie, and Jerry Ogu showed character to ward off any potential threats.

With this result, Abia Warriors have confirmed their Premier League status for next season. They will now travel to Lafia for their President Federation Cup semifinal match against Kano Pillars on Thursday.

Abia Warriors cement premiership status with 2-0 win over Akwa United

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