FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2 (Uche Sabastine – 36′; Ikenna Cooper – 65′)
Enyimba Int’l FC 0
A spirited performance from the Anambra Warriors ensured they bagged the maximum points at stake in a pulsating Oriental derby clash played at the FCIU International Stadium on Sunday in one of the Match day sixteen fixtures.
Two changes were made to the side that lost to Abia Warriors last Wednesday as Uche Sabastine and Samuel Kalu both came in for Philip Archibong and Samuel Kalu respectively. Ifeatu Onwugbonu retained his place in the starting eleven as he partnered skipper Charles Okafor in the heart of the defence.
Off the back of defeat in midweek with both sides involved in oriental derbies, the game would live up to the billing as both sides got to each other in the early exchanges. Samuel Kalu missed a sitter in the 8th minute after a cross into the box which came off the hands of Timothy Danladi with the former failing to utilize the chance for an early goal from a vintage position. An unchecked Victor Mbaoma had his headed effort just wide after connecting with Austin Oladapo’s ball in the box in the 12th minute of the encounter.
Uche Sabastine got the curtain raiser in the 36th minute from a Chigozie Chilekwu’s cross with the former finishing off in style as Goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai misjudged during the course of action leading to the goal. Three minutes later Goalkeeper Sharp Uzoigwe kept his composure with a brilliant save to deny Reuben Bala whose goal bound effort from a tight angle almost gave the people’s elephant their equaliser.
In the second half, Enyimba came close to scoring in the 52nd minute from Manyo Egbe Stephen’s effort from a belter outside the box which came off the woodwork. Christian Nnaji’s introduction was just the spark the Anambra Warriors needed as the lethal winger cum forward upon his arrival within two minutes showed class and brilliance with his well laid effort which Ikenna Cooper rose highest in the box to finish off. It was Christian Nnaji’s third assist in a space of two matches with a goal as the icing. The Warriors kept their nerves and composure to see off the game for all the points at stake.
Next up for FC Ifeanyi Ubah is a trip to Katsina to engage Katsina United in one of the Match day 17 fixtures next Sunday.
