Oriental Derby: Okike's Strike Earns Abia Warriors Win Over Heartland

Oriental Derby: Okike's Strike Earns Abia Warriors Win Over Heartland

By Emmanuel Chinedu

Abia Warriors continued on their impressive home form with a narrow 1-0 win over Heartland, in the first Oriental Derby of the season, BSNSports.com.ng reports 

The encounter which was held at the Umuahia Township Stadium, in a Matchday 5 fixture of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League, saw Abia Warriors take the lead inside eight minutes through Meme Okike, who finished up a brilliant individual effort from Onu Emmanuel to put the host 1-0 ahead. 

Warriors, continued to hold on, as they went into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead. 

In the second half, Christian Obi tried to change the direction of the game for Heartland, with a couple of substitutions, with the introduction of the likes of Opara Chijioke, Omaka Fabian, Onyekachi Okafor, and Ezekiel Bassey. But it became more difficult for them to break down the Abia Warrior's defense, with the likes of Ifeanyi Anaemena and Collins Nwoburuoke putting their bodies on the line.

It was a good team performance which coach Erasmus Onuh would be proud of but they were able to hold on and secure their third victory of the season. 

Abia Warriors have now won three of their home games this season, scoring three goals, which is giving the former Heartland FC gaffer something to think about for his side's lack of firepower. 

Abia Warriors will face yet another ticker tie when they travel to Akure to take on Sunshine Stars in a Matchday 6 encounter. While Heartland will be playing host to Rivers United in Owerri.