NPFL 26: Abia Warriors Bounce Back With 2-0 Defeat Of Remo Stars

NPFL 26: Abia Warriors Bounce Back With 2-0 Defeat Of Remo Stars

Precious Oham

Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia returned to winning ways after beating Nigerian champions, Remo Stars Sports Club of Ikenne, 2-0 in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League fixture decided at the Umuahia Township Stadium, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

One goal in each half of the game from Warriors' Maverick forward, Emeka Obioma and Captain of the day, Sunday Megwo, condemned Remo Stars to their second defeat of the season.

It was a cagey affair in the opening stages, but the Warriors gradually grew into the game and dominated play. Umu Chineke would have taken the lead in the 19th minute after the visitors failed to clear their lines.

However, Shedrack Asiegbu failed to take full advantage inside the box as he chose to lay a pass that rolled out of play to the consternation of the Warriors' bench and spectators.

Nonetheless, nine minutes later, the Warriors were in front from a Paul Samson quick corner-kick The impressive winger laid a short pass to Jubrin Faiz, who sent a dangerous delivery that the visitors failed to clear, and the ball dropped kindly for Emeka Obioma to slam home for the opener and send a wild jubilation in the stands.

Remo Stars came out fighting in the second half and were denied a goal in the 53rd minute by the home goalkeeper, Okiemute Odah who made a point-blank save that left Remo Stars and the spectators alike wondering how he pulled off that save.

The Warriors responded with their own attack minutes later as Suraj Lawal danced his way into the visitors' box only to be fouled in the process.

And the referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot for a penalty to Abia Warriors. Sunday Megwo was allowed to do the honours as he sent the Remo Stars goalkeeper, Adebiyi Obassa the wrong way to double the lead for the Warriors.

Both sides made wholesale substitutions almost immediately, which only made the game more exciting as the substitutes added bite, but the Warriors fought to earn a deserved win.