Abia Warriors FC returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes in their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 16 clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium. The win follows last week’s setback against Shooting Stars SC in Ibadan and boosts the Warriors’ morale heading into their next fixture.

Coach Imama Amapakabo made three key changes to the starting XI, bringing in Sheddy Kennedy, Isaac Afolabi, and captain Augustine Njoku to replace Sunday Megwo (away on Super Eagles B-Team duty), Philip Ogwuche, and Samuel Atavti.

 

Despite concerns over Megwo’s absence—having scored five goals this season—the Warriors displayed attacking dominance from the opening whistle. After a series of missed chances, Anthony Ijoma broke the deadlock with a thunderous strike after intercepting a pass in Tornadoes’ half, giving the home side a well-deserved lead at halftime.

 

The Warriors doubled their advantage in the 56th minute. Ojonugwa Adejoh’s brilliant run through the Tornadoes defense set up Paul Samson, who coolly converted to score his second goal of the season.

 

Niger Tornadoes managed to pull one back deep into stoppage time after being awarded a contentious penalty. Ahmed Family converted from the spot to make the final scoreline 2-1, but it was too late to alter the outcome.

Coach Amapakabo expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, particularly in the absence of key player Sunday Megwo, praising their ability to dominate and convert opportunities.

Abia Warriors will travel to Maiduguri for their Matchday 17 fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors as they seek to build on this hard-fought victory.

 

This result leaves the Warriors optimistic about maintaining their push up the league standings in the second half of the season.