Abia Warriors on Sunday ended the blistering start of the Anambra Warriors in the abridged league by coming back from a goal down to beat 2016 Federations cup champions.The stage was set for a pulsating Oriental Derby clash as the Warriors went into the game with the mindset to end the streak which has seen the Anambra Warriors yet to beat the Abia side as both sides met for the eight time in a competitive football showpiece.
The technical crew of FC Ifeanyi Ubah made just two changes to the side that defeated Kada City FC last Sunday as Ugwuka Emmanuel and Ebetomame Oghenetega replaced the injured duo of Christian Nnaji and Samson Junior.
The Warriors had a dream start as Emmanuel Ugwuka gave the Warriors the lead in the third minute off an inviting cross from Chibuike Ezeh which the former headed into the goal past the hapless goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo.
The Warriors should have doubled their advantage in the 13th minute but for a communication hitch between Alaekwe Chijioke and Ezeh Chibuike. Ibrahim Olawoyin tried his luck from about 35 yards out in the 19th minute which sailed just wide as Promise James for the Warriors forced a save from Goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo in the 24th minute after Ebetomame Oghenetega was harked down by Ozor Chinedu. Abia Warriors where made to wait till the dying stages of the first period as Samson Obi befuddled Onuoha Chukwujekwu and Charles Okafor to finish off a fine dribbling move assisted by Kola Imini.
On the hour mark Shedrack Asiegbu rifled an effort past FCIU goalkeeper Anozie Chinedu from about 22 yards out to give the visitors the lead. Nine minutes after Goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo pulled off a world class save to deny Nonso Nzediegwu. Centre Referee Shuaibu pointed to the spot in the 80th minute after a goal bound Nzediegwu Nonso got into harmsway with goalkeeper Enaholo pulling down the striker, Charles Okafor saddled with the responsibility of finishing off from 12 yards failed to do so as Goalkeeper Enaholo denied the impressive defender and the Ochendo Boys held their nerves to see off a late surge from the Anambra Warriors’ attacking duo of Nzediegwu Nonso and substitute Onuoha Uche to claim all points at stake.
The Warriors who are now third on the table courtesy of today’s result will look to bounce back on Wednesday when they host Gombe United in match day 7 at the fortress.
