The much publicized Abia derby between Abia Warriors of Umuahia and Enyimba International of Aba in the on-going Nigeria Premier Football League ended in a stalemate as both sides shared the spoils in a pulsating 1-1 draw.
The game lived up to it’s billing as true El Classico as teeming fans from both clubs filled the Umuahia Township Stadium, to be entertained by the best two teams in Abia State.
Abia Warriors gaffer, Imama Amapakabo made only two changes to the side that lost to Lobi Stars of Makurdi, at the Lafia City Stadium as shot stopper, Sharp Uzoigwe and utility player, Wilson Elu took the place of Ali Ishaku and Innocent Godwin respectively.
Spectators were still making their way into the stadium when the visitors took the lead inside nine minutes, albeit, in seeming controversial manner.
Enyimba winger, Clinton Jephta drove into the enemy territory from the right wing and unleashed a thunderous shot from a tight angle, and the ball appeared to hit the side net and drop into the net. The centre referee, Adeniyi Abdulramah from Lagos State, awarded the goal, but the Warriors’ players protested the decision to award the goal and even pointed to the ripped part of the net, but the referee stood his grounds to the consternation of the home side’s bench.
The game had to be stopped for the ripped part of the net to be stitched before proceedings could continue.
Despite the controversy, the Warriors resumed play, and came all out in search of the equalizer. It was pressure after pressure, forcing the visitors to concede numerous corner kicks that they failed to leverage on.
Nonetheless, in the 22nd minute of play, they were on level terms.
After a well orchestrated team play that involved Sunday Megwo, Daniel Ekpo and Yakub Hammed, Adejoh Ojonugwa struck from the edge of the box for the equalizer with Enyimba’s keeper, Ani Ozoemena helpless.
The goal spurred the home side to go for more but Enyimba defence ensured the first period ended square
The second half became more cagey as both sides cancelled each other and despite wholesale substitutions from both sides, no further goals were scored as the two Oriental Brothers shared the spoils.
Up next for Abia Warriors is a tie against Rivers United in Port Harcourt in a Matchday 13 fixture on Sunday 24th November 2024.
Source/Abia Warriors Media
