Abia Comets football club of Umuahia, made a return to winning ways with a vital 1-0 win over visitors Madiba FC, in a Matchday 20 encounter, on Saturday, at the Umuahia Township Stadium. 

Comets, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Edel FC, last Sunday, in a Matchday 19 clash, took an early lead inside five minutes, through a delightful header by Okere Daniel when he headed home a brilliant delivery from Ebuka Lazarus.

The Umuahia based club were clearly the better side with more of the ball possession as Comets went into the half time break with a 1-0 lead. 

In the second half, the hosts continued to press on to double its lead, after Emeka Maduka went on a brilliant individual run to dazzle over couple of Madiba defenders but his low strike went over the crossbar in the 75th minute. 

In the 85th minute, substitute Jonah James had a clear chance to double the lead but failed to strike home a delightful through pass from Ebuka Lazarus. 

The Comets defence line led by Benjamin ILuyomade, Uche Okoro and Chinedu Nwankpa were outstanding as the kept a clean sheet for the first time in four games, to secure a vital three points at home. 

Akpan Mfreke, was named the man of the match after his brilliance performance, following the victory against Madiba FC. 

With the victory, Comets have now gained 31 points from 20 games, to move to 5th position on the Southern Conference Group A log with two games left to play in the 2023/24 Nigeria National League (NNL) season. 

Comets will be on the road next weekend, when the travel to Ikenne to take on Beyond Limits, in a Matchday 21 encounter, at the Remo Stars Stadium, on Sunday, May 5, 2024.