Match Review: Abia Warriors suffer narrow defeat to Kwara United amidst off-field challenges
Posted : 09 October 2023
The match made headlines due to off-field incidents involving the visiting team. The Pride of Abia experienced a motor accident en route to Ilorin. The Sienna Van carrying the Technical Crew collided with a heavy truck at a police checkpoint during a routine police check.
Fortunately, the collision did not result in serious injuries to the occupants. Before this incident, the team had faced logistical challenges on their journey and only arrived in Ilorin on Sunday morning, just a few hours before kick-off, leaving the entire team exhausted. This exhaustion took its toll on the players.
Coach Erasmus Onuh made three changes to the starting lineup compared to their previous home game, with Nonso Nzediegwu, Prince Okorie, and Chidera Olisaegbo making their first starts of the season in place of Dehinde Ibrahim, Daniel Wotlai, and Emmanuel Onu.
The first half was dominated by the home side, as Abia Warriors appeared sluggish and clearly fatigued, which may have contributed to the injury sustained by Uche Moses, who was replaced by Adejoh Ojonugwa.
Abia Warriors' goalkeeper, Johnson Nmecha, made crucial saves, denying Kwara United's Samuel Ayorinde twice in one-on-one situations. However, at the stroke of halftime, Abia Warriors' defenders failed to deal with Balogun Kabir's cross, allowing Isaiah Ejeh to score from inside the penalty area.
Abia Warriors made a double substitution, bringing on Jimoh Gbadamosi and Dehinde Ibrahim for Nonso Nzediegwu and Jerry Ogu. This was followed by the introduction of Samson Obi and Daniel Wotlai for Collins Nwoburuoke and Chidera Olisaegbo.
These changes had an immediate impact as Abia Warriors dominated the game and pressed their hosts. The home side found themselves on the defensive, limited to occasional counterattacks.
Abia Warriors came close to leveling the score when Dehinde Ibrahim's 30-yard free-kick struck the crossbar, much to the relief of the home side.
Ultimately, the hosts held on to their one-goal advantage until the final whistle.
Next up for Abia Warriors is a clash against former Nigerian champions Kano Pillars at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
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