Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia were held to a goalless draw by visiting Enugu Rangers International in their Matchday 25 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League, played at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

 

With massive renovation work ongoing at the Umuahia Township Stadium, the Warriors have temporarily adopted the Enyimba International Stadium as their home ground, and the venue provided the backdrop for a pulsating Oriental derby that lived up to expectations.

 

From kickoff, the encounter was thrilling, exciting, and intriguing, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats as both sides battled for bragging rights.

 

Abia Warriors head coach, Imama Amapakabo, made three changes to the team that featured in the previous away match against Katsina United. Ali Ishaku, Suraj Lawal, and Somiari Alalibo were drafted into the starting lineup in place of Odah Okiemute, Maxwell Kangeshima, and Shedrack Asiegbu respectively.

 

Proceedings began cautiously, with both teams showing mutual respect in a cagey opening phase. The hosts gradually settled into the game and began to assert themselves, but clear-cut chances were scarce, and the first half ended scoreless.

 

The visitors enjoyed more possession at the start of the second half, but Abia Warriors responded with sustained pressure that eventually swung the momentum in their favour. That pressure paid off in the 58th minute when Rangers defender Chigozie Iwundu was shown a red card for bringing down the rampaging Chukwuemeka Obioma, who was clean through on goal.

 

The incident stemmed from an incisive move by the Warriors, as Casmir Azubuike split the Rangers defence with a superb pass to Obioma in the final third. Iwundu, reading the danger but beaten for pace, hauled down the striker as he prepared to shoot, prompting the referee to issue a straight red for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

 

Obioma stepped up to take the resulting free kick, but his effort struck the side netting, much to the relief of the Rangers contingent.

 

Amapakabo introduced Chindi Merpring for Paul Samson in search of a breakthrough, and the substitution almost paid immediate dividends. Just two minutes after coming on, Merpring delivered a dangerous cross into the box, but a fortunate defensive header by Rangers cleared the danger with Suraj Lawal lurking menacingly.

 

With the numerical advantage firmly in their favour, Abia Warriors dominated the latter stages of the game. Suraj Lawal went close on several occasions, but resolute and desperate defending from the visitors ensured Rangers held firm.

 

The hosts thought they had snatched a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time. In the final minute of the five additional minutes signalled by the fourth official, Obioma found the back of the net after being put through by Merpring following a magnificent team move. The league’s top scorer in 2023 made no mistake, rifling a left-footed shot past the goalkeeper.

 

However, celebrations were cut short as the second assistant referee raised his flag for offside, a decision that sparked protests from the Abia Warriors bench and drew the ire of the home supporters.

 

In the end, both sides settled for a share of the spoils in a fiercely contested derby.

 

Abia Warriors will now turn their attention to their next fixture, an away clash against defending champions Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne.