Abia Warriors FC and Enyimba International FC played out a 0-0 stalemate at the Umuahia Township Stadium in Matchday 12 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, in a clash widely billed as the “Abia derby.”

 

The match was tense and closely contested, with both sides showing caution in the opening minutes. The Warriors came close to breaking the deadlock in the 6th minute when Sunday Megwo set up Suraj Lawal for a backheel attempt, but it failed to find the net. Megwo also had a clear one-on-one chance in the 25th minute, only to be denied by Enyimba goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga, who made several key saves throughout the game.

 

Under coach Imama Amapakabo, the Warriors dominated possession in the second half and repeatedly tested Ogunga, including efforts from Paul Samson, Fatai Abdullahi, and Suraj Lawal, but were unable to convert. A penalty appeal in the 62nd minute for a push on Megwo inside the box was turned down by the referee, adding to the Warriors’ frustrations.

 

Despite their dominance, Abia Warriors couldn’t find the breakthrough, leaving both sides to share the points in a match that lived up to its “derby” billing.

 

The Warriors will next face Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on 16 November 2025.