By

Clinton Christopher 
 

Abia Warriors were forced to a 1–1 draw by defending champions Remo Stars F.C. in their Matchday 26 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Akure Township Stadium.

 

The visitors made two changes to the side that drew with Rangers International F.C. in Aba, with Valentine Ugwu and Innocent Godwin replacing Paul Samson and Kunle Adeleke respectively. Abia Warriors showed defensive discipline in the first half, successfully containing the hosts’ attacking threats.

 

The second half produced a more open and entertaining contest as both teams searched for a breakthrough.

 

The deadlock was broken in the 55th minute when Suraj Lawal launched a long pass from inside the Warriors’ half to find Chukwuemeka Obioma. The experienced striker held off his marker before calmly slotting home his seventh league goal of the season to put the visitors ahead.

 

Obioma thought he had doubled the lead ten minutes later. After bursting into the penalty area during a swift counterattack, he surprised goalkeeper Obaise Adebiyi with a direct shot instead of a cross. However, the Assistant Referee flagged for offside, ruling out the goal to the frustration of the Warriors’ bench and supporters.

 

Six minutes later, Abia Warriors had another goal disallowed for offside. Obioma threaded a pass to Valentine Ugwu, who finished neatly inside the box, only for the flag to go up again, prompting protests from the away side.

 

Remo Stars eventually restored parity in the 77th minute when Samson Olasupo reacted quickest to a rebound to score the equaliser.

 

Abia Warriors had late chances to reclaim the lead. Ugwu squandered a promising opportunity in the 85th minute, while youngster Omoge Ebenezer missed two separate chances after opting for individual efforts instead of combining with teammates.

 

The result leaves the Warriors with a point on the road as they now turn attention to their next fixture — a home clash against Kwara United F.C. at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on Sunday, February 22, 2026.