Chukwuemeka Obioma scored twice to inspire Abia Warriors to a commanding 2–0 victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club in their Matchday 29 clash in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

 

The encounter, played at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, saw the Umuahia-based side deliver a dominant performance to keep their continental ambitions alive.

 

Coach Imama Amapakabo made four changes to the team that featured in their previous league outing against El-Kanemi Warriors, introducing Israel Joseph, Casmir Azubuike, Paul Samson and Obioma into the starting lineup.

 

Abia Warriors started brightly and nearly opened the scoring within two minutes, but Godgift Elkanah, a former Abia Warriors goalkeeper now with Shooting Stars, produced a brilliant save to deny Obioma’s close-range header. The shot-stopper was called into action again in the 14th minute, parrying another effort from the striker.

 

However, he was finally beaten in the 19th minute when Suraj Lawal set up Obioma, who calmly slotted home the opener after a well-worked attacking move.

 

The hosts maintained their attacking momentum and doubled their lead in the 54th minute. A defence-splitting pass from Casmir Azubuike found Obioma, who finished clinically to complete his brace.

 

The win lifted Abia Warriors to fourth place on the league table. They will next travel to Kano to face Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium.