Samson Obi emerged the match winner as his late goal secured all the three points at stake for Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia in today’s epic encounter.
It is the star striker’s match winning goal in two consecutive home games for the Pride of Umuahia.
In the Matchday 29 of the Nigeria Premier Football League encounter against Plateau United played at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Obi’s strike won it for Abia Warriors, and the star striker came from bench to seal victory for the Pride of Umuahia in today’s Matchday 31 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Coach Bethel Oji made three changes to the side that lost to Rangers International Football Club of Enugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. Goalkeeper Nmecha Johnson replacing Sharp Uzoigwe in goal, and Arinze Ogbonna getting the gaffer’s nod ahead of Ifeanyi Anaemena. But the tall player had to play in the midfield, and Daniel Wotlai moved to the heart of defence to pair with Prince Okorie. Antoine Desouza replaced Samson Obi in attack.
The game started with Bayelsa United enjoying early possession while the home side struggled to get into their rhythm.
Despite Bayelsa United’s possession, Abia Warriors goalkeeper, Nmecha Johnson, was rarely tested.
With the score line still goalless, Coach Bethel Oji had to make tactical substitutions throwing Samson Obi and Paschal Nwabueze into the fray; Moses Uche and Antoine Desouza the players that made way.
The changes improved the home sides attack and overall play, but it was all square at the break.
As the second period progressed, Abia Warriors gaffer made three substitutions. First it was Emmanuel Onu for Meme Okike in the 53rd minute, and later, Collins Nwoburuoke and Ayodele Ezekiel replacing the duo of Sunday Megwo and Arinze Ogbonna.
Daniel Wotlai now moved to the midfield and Collins Nwoburuoke paired with Prince Okorie in the heart of defence.
With the trio of Daniel Wotlai, Ayodele Ezekiel and Ojonugwa Adejoh in the midfield; Emmanuel Onu had the freedom to roam around the entire pitch, keeping the visitors guessing in the process.
At this point, it was all Abia Warriors; It was only a matter of time for the inevitable to happen, and so it did in the 81st minute of play.
Onu with one of his mesmerizing runs, finds Paschal Nwabueze inside the opponents’ vital area who holds off his marker and passed the ball to Ayodele Ezekiel who passed the ball back to Paschal, and the striker squared the ball to the unmarked Obi to tap into the net and send the entire Warriors’ supporters into frenzy.
Stunned by that goal, the visitors came out in numbers in search of an equalizer, but Abia Warriors held on to see off the game and earn a well deserved three points.
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