The rains were at work few hours before the Abia Derby in Umuahia but Abia Warriors knew they needed all 3 points to move out of the relegation zone. It was a game against their big brothers Enyimba but survival was utmost on their mind.
Enyimba made 8 changes hoping to get their 1st win in 4 NPFL matches. The Elephants lost by a dubious penalty in Lokoja, beaten in Abeokuta and miraculously held in Port Harcourt. The title had slipped away – nothing more to fight for – except pride and higher position.
The Abia Derby is usually full of goals and the teams didn’t disappoint. Abia Warriors raced to a 2-0 lead in the 1st half with goals from Michael Olaha (32′) and Ndifreke Effiong (42′). Alloy Browne pulled one back for Enyimba from the spot (69′) before Shedrach Asiegbu ended the game from the spot with Abia Warriors’ third in the 80th minute.
The win moves Abia Warriors to 14th on the table above Shooting Stars, MFM FC and Warri Wolves. Warri Wolves are now 17th and may remain so if the home-win theory plays out.
For Enyimba, the results mean they cannot finish in the top three this season. They most likely will finish outside the top 10. Poor.
In other matches, Kano Pillars needed a 15th minute Rabiu Ali penalty to end El-Kanemi’s 6 match unbeaten run. The result moves Kano Pillars to 6th.
In Owerri, Heartland defeated Niger Tornadoes 2-0 with goals from Chinedu Efughu (32′) and Chidiebere Ajoku (70′). The result moves Heartland to within 2pts of safety with 40pts. Will Niger Tornadoes ever get an away point this season?
That’s the NPFL summary from yesterday. Don’t ask me about the LMC vs Jos Court.
SoccerGunz 