Abia Comets FC began their 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign on a bright note, defeating Lagos-based Smart City FC 2–0 on Saturday at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

Goals from Julius Godknows and second-half substitute Maduka Okechukwu ensured a comfortable victory for the Umuahia-based side in their Match Day 1 Southern Conference A encounter.

The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Godknows rose highest to head home a delightful cross from left-back Keme Okoriye, giving the Comets a deserved lead. The hosts pressed for a second before the break but were denied by near misses and good defensive cover from Smart City.

On resumption, Abia Comets continued to dominate, dictating the tempo and entertaining their supporters with fluid attacking play.

Their persistence paid off in the closing seconds of the match when Poweide Morris split the defence with a superb through ball, setting up Maduka Okechukwu, who calmly slotted past the Smart City goalkeeper to seal the win.

The victory marks Abia Comets’ first of the season under new Technical Adviser Dipreye Teiboewi. They will host Ikenne-based Beyond Limits FA next weekend in a Match Day 2 showdown in Aba, as they look to build on their strong start.