Two first-half goals from rising star Casmir Azubuike lifted Abia Warriors to a crucial 2-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in their Matchday 8 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), played at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday.

 

After a disappointing loss in Enugu, Imama Amapakabo’s men bounced back in style, dominating the match early and showcasing their attacking prowess to secure all three points and maintain their strong position near the top of the table.

 

The hosts wasted no time asserting themselves. Inside the opening ten minutes, Suraj Lawal and Emeka Obioma both tested El-Kanemi’s goalkeeper, Hakeem Otuyiga, who pulled off a series of impressive saves to keep the visitors in the game.

 

But the pressure finally paid off in the 24th minute when Sunday Megwo, returning to the starting lineup, set up Azubuike with a cheeky backheel, and the youngster calmly slotted home the opener. Just three minutes later, Azubuike doubled his tally, pouncing on a defensive mix-up to head into an empty net and send the home fans into raptures.

 

Lawal nearly added a third in the 36th minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside, much to the disappointment of the vocal Umuahia crowd.

 

The second half saw El-Kanemi Warriors respond with more urgency, but despite finding some rhythm, they couldn’t break down a disciplined Abia Warriors defense. Controversy struck in the 51st minute when Megwo was brought down in the box by Otuyiga, but referee Uchenna Enyadike waved away penalty appeals and awarded a freekick to the visitors, drawing the ire of the home bench and supporters.

 

Both sides made multiple substitutions in search of fresh legs and momentum, but the scoreline remained unchanged, with Abia Warriors professionally managing the final minutes to secure a well-deserved win.

 

With this result, the Umuahia Warlords now sit second on the 20-team NPFL table, as they prepare for a tough away fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Ibadan next weekend.