Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia suffered a tough 3-1 loss to Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi in Lafia, extending their winless streak against the “Yes Father” boys to five consecutive matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The first half was tightly contested, ending in a goalless draw. However, despite taking the lead early in the second half, Abia Warriors could not hold on as Lobi Stars responded with two goals and an own goal, sealing the fate of the visiting Umuahia side.

Abia Warriors’ head coach, Imama Amapakabo, made several lineup adjustments after their recent loss to Heartland FC, bringing in Yakubu Hammed and Samuel Atavti for their season debuts, while Emmanuel Ogbuagu paired up front with Collins Nwoburuoke.

Though the hosts held more possession early on, Abia Warriors’ defense held firm, and the first half ended in a stalemate. The action intensified in the second half, and Abia Warriors capitalized first in the 55th minute when Yakubu Hammed’s through ball set up Sunday Megwo, who rounded the goalkeeper to net his fifth goal of the season.

Their lead was short-lived, though, as Lobi Stars equalized in the 61st minute when Ifeanyi Assurance delivered a cross that Oloruntoba Segun headed in unmarked. Just minutes later, an unfortunate own goal by Collins Nwoburuoke, again from an Ifeanyi Assurance cross, handed Lobi Stars the advantage.

Pushing for a late equalizer, Abia Warriors left themselves vulnerable, and Lobi Stars capitalized with a counter-attack goal in the 90th minute from Oloruntoba Segun, sealing a 3-1 victory and marking Abia Warriors’ second consecutive defeat.

Next up, Abia Warriors will face Enyimba International in the highly anticipated Abia Classico at the Umuahia Township Stadium.