'

By Sab Osuji, in Umuahia

Doma United presented Abia Warriors a glorious opportunity of possibly setting the season's record of highest goal tally in a single fixture but the hosts' wastefulness in the final third denied them time and time again, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

On a blazing sunny afternoon gritty NPFL match day 18 clash, Doma chose to sit back althrough the first period, absorbing the hosts ceaseless bombardments with a view to end the first period on even terms, a situation that would probably unsettle the Erasmus Onu side, put them under pressure after the brake, which in their calculation, would unnerve their hosts so they can catch them on the counter when they pour out in numbers for the goals.

They came close to actualising young coach Onigbinde's dream but a reckless challenge on an Abia Warriors front man after a quick free kick saw Sunday Megwa go to the ground and referee Alaba Olufunmilaye correctly pointed to the spot. Veteran defender, Ifeanyi 'Rigorbet Song' Anaemena, expertly dispatched the resultant penalty kick into the top corner with Doma United goalkeeper rooted to his spot. That was exactly 44th minute of the first half as Abia Warriors went into the break with one goal in front. That was the beginning of Doma United's woes. Coach Onigbinde fumed with rage, in total disapproval of the penalty.

Just after the break, Megwa, who provided the penalty that fetched his side the first goal, turned to a scorer just four minutes after the restart.

In an extraordinary show of grit, skill, strenght, courage and will power, Megwa came to the positive finishing point of a sleek passing counter after Doma United had poured out enmasse to draw level.

Megwa turned, controlled and planted his left footed effort into the empty net after Doma United goaltender had been drawn out. 2-0, Abia Warriors are now in the ascendancy.

But rather than cash in on their boosted confidence and 'insurance' goal to score more, the players pulled off the pedal, chosing to fritter chances away as they come in torrents. Before Megwa's goal, Augustine Megwa crashed his left footed effort against the crossbar.

And the chapter of 'wastefulness' began. It was painfully heartbreaking watching Abia Warriors zig-zag their way into their opponents area but find it difficult to make hay in the final third. Ideally, on a day like this, 6-0; 7-0 would better be a decent reward for the Reds coach Erasmus Onu put on show in this NPFL Match Day 18 fixture.

Remarkably, Alaba Olufunmilaye from Ogun State Referees Council, deserves a pat on the back. This thrilling clash was my first time of watching her in action and I must say kudos to her. Her courage, confidence, knowledge and application of the rules/laws of the game was fantastic. Her fitness kept me awe, always close to the scene of every action, say about 10m or less to any action, giving opportunity to see every action and antics before taking decisions. 

Indeed, Olufunmilaye has convinced me she can handle any game no matter the stage.

With two minutes remaining on the eight minutes of added time, Adejor Ojonugba made it 3-0 for the home side after his initial dazzling strike had hit a defender but he still managed to guide the rebounce home, much to the chagrin of Doma United coach, Onigbinde, who alleged the scorer propelled the ball in with his arms, despite the referee's closeness to the 18 yard box.