Abia Comets continued their strong performance in the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League with a 2-1 victory over Oriental rivals Ijele FC on Saturday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
The visitors took the lead in the 14th minute when Okechukwu Chukwu fired a stunning strike from outside the box, assisted by Ebuka Lazarus.
Abia Comets maintained dominance throughout the first half, with Lazarus coming close to adding a second goal, but his shot was saved.
In the second half, head coach Okechukwu Ejeh made an early substitution, introducing Emeka Maduka for Olabode Oluwatosin in the attack.
The change paid off as Okechukwu Chukwu netted a delightful goal in the 57th minute to extend the lead to 2-0, following Cyril Shedrack’s pressure on the Ijele defense.
Ijele FC reduced the deficit in the 87th minute with a penalty, but Abia Comets’ defense, led by Bright Ogbonna and Churchill Nnanna, held firm to secure the 2-1 victory.
With the win, Abia Comets remain at the top of the Southern Conference A standings with 11 points from five games. The team will return to Umuahia for preparations ahead of their next match against Inter Lagos on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
