Abia Warriors Wins Oriental Derby, Beats FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2-1

Abia Warriors Wins Oriental Derby, Beats FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2-1

By Niyi Busari

Two half goals from Abia Warriors attacking duo of Bello Lukuman and Yakub Hammed was all the Umuahia Warlords needed to secure their first win of the New year against stubborn FCIU.

Sensational striker Bello Lukuman gave the warriors lead in just 26mins of play as the striker rose highest to head into an empty Asiegbu Shedrack inswinger which left  GK Uzoigwe Sharp helpless as he failed to time accurately.

FCIU were completely put on the back foot as the trio of Omini Somtochukwu, Asiegbu Shedrack and Yakub Hammed combined well in the middle to always retained and controlled possession for the host team.

Point man Bello Lukuman came close to record a brace before the half time break but for the quick intervention of FCIU Goal Keeper Uzoigwe Sharp who sharply came off his line to pull a magnificent save to ensure the host doesnt run out of sight as the interval time beckoned.

Both team returned from the locker room refreshed and it was Abia Warriors who were handed a heavy blow as GK Uche Okafor picked a knock and was substituted for Charles Tambe .

The Umuahia Warriors midfield collapsed on return from the break and team got punished for their loss of concentration as the Uche Okagbue boys earned a Penalty kick following Abia Warriors skipper tackle right inside the 18yard box.

It was Jimoh Gbadamosi who restored parity for the Anambra  Warriors as he calmy sent Goal Keeper Tambe Charles the wrong direction from the spot.
Abia Warriors showed off ‘Brave Warrior’ like attitude as they picked up their broken glass and surged upfront in a bid to reclaim its lost lead.

It was all dramatic afterwards for the Umuahia Warlords as newly introduced Jimoh Oni  fluffed the team chance of lead from the spot to the fans amazement.

The Umuahia Warlords never relented in search of goal and it was Yakub Hammed who saved the day.

The playmaker shot the team infront from a set piece meters away from the edge of the box as his well taken sublime curler found the roof of the net and it was ushered in with a wild jubilation by the spectators.

Both teams introduced fresh legs to fortify their team but the changes could not affect the score line as the game ended 2-1 in favour of the Umuahia Warlords.