BY SAB OSUJI

Ike Shorunmu, a former Super Eagles and Beskitas of Turkey shot-stoper, has exclusively revealed to Exclusivenews.com.ng that loss of concentration was reason Abia Warriors did not win at Bayelsa United in Sunday's NPFL Match Day 11 gritty clash.

Warriors were 2-0 up in the second period and looked good to seal victory before the home side matched hard on the throttle pedal.

Samson Obi opened his 2023/2024 NPFL season goal account with a sumptuous  strike for the traveling Warriors on 76th minute after a flowing counter attack which also involved  Dehinde Ibrahim. 

Ibrahim Dehinde doubled Warriors advantage three minutes later as Erasmus Onu's side took a commanding 2-0 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. It was Ibrahim's third goal of the season.

With a possible third home defeat starring them in the face, Bayelsa United turned on the heat, throwing  everything at their visitors in an effort to come back into the game.

They were rewarded when Robert Mizo, current season leading scorer, fired in two quick-fire goals in the 82nd (off a freekick) and 87th minute to bring his side back on level terms following a  defensive mix-up by the Warriors.

And Shorunmu, a one-time Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, would inform Exclusivenews.com.ng that Abia Warriors would have smiled home with an ultimate win if the defenders had not lost concentration.

"We were up by 2-0 but a momentary loss of concentration cost us victory", Shorunmu, a former Shooting Stars of Ibadan goalkeeper said.

"But that's football for you. It happens like that sometimes but we'll go back home and face our next game against Sporting Lagos on Wednesday".