Abia Warriors handed Akwa United another setback in their difficult 2024/2025 NPFL campaign, securing a 2-0 victory in Umuahia that sent the visitors to the bottom of the table.
Despite a bright start from Akwa United, Abia Warriors took the lead in the 26th minute against the run of play with Ijoma Antoine netting his fifth of the season.
Abia Warriors had come close moments earlier when goalkeeper Darlington Ovunda made a brilliant save to push a long-range effort onto the post in the 20th minute.
Key Moments in the Match
Akwa United suffered a setback in the 33rd minute when Wisdom Ndon picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Paschal Onunze, with Adamu Umar shifting to center-back.
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The visitors continued to push for an equalizer, but Abia Warriors defended resolutely, blocking goal-bound attempts and frustrating their opponents.
At halftime, Akwa United made two changes, bringing in Tochukwu Samuel and Ogunleye Olayemi for Chijioke Alaekwe and Emmanuel James.
Tochukwu was instrumental in the second half, creating multiple chances, including setting up Uche for a left-footed strike in the 59th minute, which was saved by the goalkeeper Johnson Nmecham
Seyi also came close in the 69th minute, narrowly missing the target with a powerful shot.
Sunday Ibrahim tested the Abia Warriors goalkeeper Nmecha in the 85th minute, but once again, Akwa United failed to find the breakthrough.
In stoppage time (90+3), substitute Maxwell Kangeshima making his first appearance for Abia Warriors sealed the win with a second goal, crushing any hopes of an Akwa United comeback and confirming their place at the bottom of the NPFL standings.
The Promise keepers led by Kennedy boboye remain winless after 3 games since is return as gaffer, as things turn from bad to worse.
Warriors players celebrate scoring in a league game.
Akwa United lead from bottom after match day 22 with 20 points while Imama Amapakabo led Abia Warriors move to 4th in the log with 33 points.
Match day 22 NPFL results. ( Photo by @Nigeriapfl
Shooting stars 2nd place with 37 points, conceded for the first time in 68 calendar days since a 2-0 loss at Remo Stars in November 2024 as they close the gap on Remo stars(45pts) to 8 points with a game at hand.
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Finidi George’s Rivers United winless streak stretched to 5 gamed (D3 L2) as they fell in owerrri to resurgent Heartland led by Emmanuel Amuneke.
NPFL log after Sunday’s results. ( Photo by @Npflnews)
Defending champions Rangers international of Enugu drop to 7th on the log and will face in-form Ikorodu City tomorrow 3rd February 2025.
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