By Christopher Clinton

 

A second-half strike from Warriors winger Abubakar Taheer earned Abia Warriors a crucial 1–0 victory over Plateau United, as the Umuahia-based side ended the year and the first stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on a high note.

 

The hard-fought win marked a hat-trick of victories for Umu Chineke, propelling them to second place on the league table and strengthening their push for a continental ticket.

 

Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo raised eyebrows ahead of kickoff after making eight changes to the side that featured against Warri Wolves in their previous fixture at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Among those handed opportunities was Oguocha Ekpere, who made his first league start and appearance for the club.

 

Off-field activities dominated the buildup to the encounter, with Abia Warriors enjoying overwhelming support from fans in Jos. Plateau State-born trio Chindi Merpring, Jibrin Faiz and Abubakar Taheer were warmly received, as relatives and supporters filled the New Jos Stadium to cheer on their “ambassadors.”

 

On the pitch, both teams adopted a cautious approach in the opening exchanges, though Plateau United enjoyed greater possession as they gradually settled into the game. The hosts relied heavily on long throws in search of a breakthrough, but Abia Warriors’ defense stood firm to ensure the first half ended goalless.

 

Plateau United introduced two substitutions at the start of the second half in a bid to break the deadlock, but the visitors absorbed the pressure with discipline and resilience before striking decisively.

 

The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when stand-in captain and goalkeeper Odah Okiemute launched a long kick forward. Chindi Merpring flicked the ball on, and Taheer Abubakar used his blistering pace to outrun his marker before delicately chipping the ball over goalkeeper Bala Favour, sparking wild celebrations among the Abia Warriors supporters.

 

Stunned by the setback, the hosts made three quick substitutions in search of an equalizer. Abia Warriors responded by introducing Emmanuel Ogbuagu, Fatal Abdullahi, Paul Samson, Samuel Ogunjimi and Innocent Godwin to reinforce their hold on the game and protect the slender lead.

 

Abia Warriors will now proceed on a short break and are expected to resume league action in January 2026, when they host Plateau United at the Umuahia Township Stadium in the reverse Matchday 20 fixture scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026.