A goal apiece in both halves from Uche Ihuarulam and Chidi Madu were all the Anambra Warriors needed to seal maximum points at stake in one of the match day 17 fixtures of the abridged NPFL played at the fortress, sports247.ng learns
Lyke Nwokedi informs sports247.ng that Warriors made four changes to the side that lost in Damaturu a fortnight ago to Yobe Desert Stars. Promise James, Christian Nnaji, Uche Ihuarulam and Skipper Chijioke Alaekwe all came into the starting eleven leafroging Didi Komboye, Matthew Emmanuel, Jimoh Gbadamosi and Chibuike Ezeh respectively.
The visitors made the first incursion in the FCIU box with Goalkeeper Chinedu Anozie pulling off a terrific save to deny Ekong Christian after a lovely interchange between Iwuala Anayo and Emmanuel Nnamani. In the 7th minute, the Centre Referee pointed to the spot after Ezeali Kingsley handled the ball inside the box, striker Uche Ihuarulam stepped up to the plate sending Goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim the wrong way to give the Anambra Warriors the lead.
Prodding Emmanuel Nnamani restored parity for the NPFL new boys finishing off a good assist from Iwuala Anayo after the defence of the Warriors were found wanting. Emmanuel Ugwuka should have done better with a headed effort from Madu Chidi’s inviting cross as he was left unmarked however his effort was unconvincing and sailed wide of the mark. The second period was a replica of the first with intense midfield battle and duels won by both sides. The Warriors persistent pressure and patience paid off in the 79th minute from an indirect free kick just inside the box with Chidi Madu sending his effort into the top left corner of the post to send the crowd into a frenzy for all the points at stack.
The result sees the Warriors moving up a place on the table to occupy the second position in Group B on 30 points from 17 matches and will next take on Abia Warriors in what promises to be a keenly contested oriental derby clash on Wednesday at Umuahia.
