Two goals from Emmanuel Ogbuagu and Anthony Ijoma in either half of the match secured a vital 2-0 win for Abia Warriors against hard fighting Rivers United in a pulsating league encounter decided at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Having narrowly lost to neighbors, Enyimba International Football Club in the last league fixture played in Aba, Umu Chineke needed to win their next game to keep hopes of a top three finish alive. And what a way to respond by fighting their way to an emphatic victory in an explosive encounter.

Technical Adviser of Abia Warriors, Imama Amapakabo, made only two changes to the squad that started the last league game, Augustine Njoku taking the place of Andrew Abalaogu at the right wing back while Wilson Elu partnered Emmanuel Ogbuagu at the heart of defence in place of Collins Nwoburuoke, who had played all Abia Warriors previous 32 matches without being substituted but missed the game on account of accumulated yellow cards.

The match started in an  explosive fashion with both sides demonstrating why they are in the top three positions in the league table.

The first goal scoring opportunity went the way of the hosts, when Emmanuel Ogbuagu's close range shot in the 16th minute was blocked following a corner kick. 

The visitors responded in the 25th minute when former Abia Warriors striker, Samson Obi, hit a ferocious shot that narrowly went wide from inside the 18 yards box, following a frightening counter attack.

 It was a warning that the hosts heeded, and they kept a constant eye on their former hitman who was properly checkmated until he was substituted.

Just when it seems the first half will end goalless, Abia Warriors defence martial, Emmanuel Ogbuagu, came up with a breathtaking goal in the first of the additional five minutes signalled by the fourth official.

Following a freekick for the Warriors close to the centre of the pitch, the centre back on seeing the keeper off his line shot at goal to score and put Umu Chineke into the lead. 

The commencement of the second half witnessed a tactical change from the Warriors bench, as Coach Amapakabo replaced Paul Samson with fleet-footed David Emmanuel.

Rivers United gaffer, Finidi George, responded with wholesale substitutions in search of an equalizer, but the Warriors were not to be denied as a swift interchange of play ended with left back, Isaac Afolabi placing a sumptuous cross for February, 2025 League Bloggers award winner, Anthony Ijoma to score his tenth league goal of the campaign and send the home supporters into frenzy in the 76th minute.

The Warriors held onto their two goal lead to cap a commanding display with an outstanding victory and close the gap between them and 2nd placed Rivers United to just two points with five matches remaining to end the season.

Up next for Abia Warriors is an away tie against Katsina United in Katsina, on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.