The 2021/2022 Nigeria National League, NNL, campaign formally began for the Seasiders on Sunday, as Warri Wolves claimed maximum points against Abia Comets in a 2 – 1 victory.
The Seasiders dominated possession in the early exchanges and looked threatening, with Damilare Babatunde hitting a set piece strongly, which Comets’ goalkeeper, Ikhana Azeez, struggled to parry for a corner kick in the 2nd minutes.
In the 15th minutes, another chance opened kindly for Babatunde, after he drove into the vital area on the right and let fly a very hot shot at Azeez.
Eight minutes later, the Seasiders raced into the lead, with marauding left-back, Emmanuel Bakare, striking in a rebound ferociously from the edge of the box in a set piece situation to put the home team 1 – 0 up.
That lead was short lived. The visitors equalized five minutes later.
Joshua Akpan outjumped a sea of blue-colored Warri Wolves jerseys inside the box to head in the equalizer to give Abia Comets a life line at halftime.
The resumption of the second half saw the Wolves bossing proceedings.
Inside the first five minutes of the half their efforts paid off.
Warri Wolves’ last term NPFL campaigner, Tega Ebetomame, was at the right place at the right time to poke in a rebound from a corner kick.
Speaking after the encounter, Warri Wolves’ technical adviser, Samson Omiponle, praised his lads for claiming all maximum points at stake.
“Well, it ended 2 – 1. It’s a very fantastic game,” said Omiponle.
“Although it’s the first match of the season, the boys played very well.”
“Towards the second match against Crown, I know we’re going to improve more than this.”
“It’s work in progress.”
Warri Wolves will play their next game in the league against Crown FC of Ogbomoso at the Soun Stadium on Matchday Two of the campaign.
