Abia Warriors vs Heartland FC: A redefining moment

Posted : 27 October 2023

Heartland FC and Abia Warriors will clash in pursuit of three points in the first Oriental derby of the season, scheduled for Umuahia on Sunday, as part of the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday Five games.

Despite a somewhat unimpressive start to the season, the Naze Millionaires have only suffered one loss out of four games. However, their Achilles' heel is their inability to secure a victory in their two home games played so far, putting the team in a precarious position.

Nonetheless, Heartland FC's performance in their recent away match against Sunshine Stars in Akure provides a glimmer of hope. Facing Abia Warriors, a team they have defeated twice in the league over the past five games since 2020, should boost their confidence that their first win of the season is within reach.

Previously, under the leadership of Fidelis Ilechukwu, Abia Warriors' unbeaten streak against Heartland FC was broken on January 12 when Abiodun Thompson scored in the 56th minute with a fine assist from Obioma Chukwuemeka at the Okigwe Township Stadium in Okigwe.

In a match under Imama Amapakabor as head coach of Abia Warriors, Heartland FC faced a scare in Okigwe on March 7, when they trailed 2-0 at halftime with the current Abia Warriors coach, Erasmus Onuh Olottah, in the Owerri side's dugout. They managed to secure a draw in the game.

Heartland FC's last away game against the Umuahia side resulted in a 1-0 defeat on January 16, 2022. However, Heartland FC's confidence is bolstered by their victory in their last encounter two seasons ago on May 1, 2022, when they won 2-1.

The Naze Millionaires have faced successive home draws against Lobi Stars and Katsina United, leaving them in a challenging position. They cannot afford to lose momentum, especially when a positive result against Abia Warriors could kickstart their season and resolve team issues.

As usual, Heartland FC's head coach, Christian Obi, will call on players like Chisom Chiaha, Patrick Nwogbaga, Ezekiel Bassey, Francis Erikan, and others to secure an away victory, signaling a new era for the club.

Former Heartland FC coach Erasmus Onuh Olottah is in his second season with Abia Warriors, and he was the Naze Millionaires' manager when this fixture was played in Owerri two seasons ago. He has remained unbeaten at home, with victories against Niger Tornadoes (1-0) and Kano Pillars (1-0). However, he has suffered losses in both away games to Kwara United and Lobi Stars.

Abia Warriors have retained some core players from the previous season, including the new captain, Augustine Njoku, Daniel Wotlai, Adejoh Ojonugwa, Olufemi Thomas, Jimoh Gbadamosi, and Samson Obi, while Sunday Megwo has seamlessly integrated into the team. Abia Warriors made a good acquisition in Nonso Nzediegwu from Enyimba.

One thing is certain: the fans at Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday will witness an intense Oriental derby with few opportunities, and the outcome may be determined by a fine margin between victory and defeat.

Head-to-head record:

1-5-2022: Heartland 2-1 Abia Warriors

16-1-2022: Abia Warriors 1-0 Heartland

21-7-2021: Abia Warriors 2-1 Heartland

7-3-2021: Heartland 2-2 Abia Warriors

12-1-2020: Heartland 1-0 Abia Warriors.

Abia Warriors vs Heartland FC: A redefining moment

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