Back to the same stadium barely 16 hours after losing by a lone goal to Abia Comets in a friendly, the Lions of Naija faced off with an NPFL side Abia Warriors in yet another friendly with the end product as a barren draw.
The match could be described as a reunion for Coach Rafael Everton and Cameroonian Defensive midfielder Pederson Ajong who had short spells with Abia Warriors in the past as Coach and player respectively.
Everton with the luxury of 24 players to choose from, fielded an entire starting XI different from the players used against Abia Comets.
The first half of the game saw Christopher Lolo, Ekerete Udom, Anietie Uko and Godwin Ekpo all missing their chances at different intervals.
Goalkeeper Anderson Okekem was too hard a nut to crack for the Hosts.
Ekerete Udom took the kickoff for the start of the second half.
Alberico Da Silva had the best chance at goal in the 52nd minute when he beautifully took a free-kick from outside of the area. Goalkeeper Edwin Nwakama of Abia Warriors was on alert to parry Da Silva effort sending him crashing down. A follow-up attempt from Lawrence Effiong also didn’t count
Again , Anderson safe hands were put to test in the dying minutes of the game but the Lions’ Goalkeeper did not disappoint bringing the scoreline to 0-0 at full-time.
The Lions’ of Naija are back to their base in Akwaibom state and will engage in more friendlies in the coming days.
POST MATCH THOUGHTS
“It’s just a friendly match. They (Vandrezzer FC) tried. It’s a good team. They should continue to work hard”
Emmanuel Deutsch Head Coach, Abia Warriors
“The players gave out everything and we are happy with their performance. Our injury concerns are not a big blow. We have good replacements in the team. The friendlies are good because we have played just three games in the league so we get a chance to see a lot of players who have not tasted league action”.
Coach Japhet Daniel Asst. Coach – Vandrezzer FC
