It was an entertaining goalless draw at the Okigwe Township Stadium, Okigwe, Imo State between Abia Warriors and Akwa United, Thursday evening in the concluding fixture of MatvhDay 23 games of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Abia Warriors came into the game on the back of a huge goalless draw in Port Harcourt against Rivers United while Akwa United had a lot to prove after Rangers International fought gallantly to secure a goalless draw in Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday.
Aware that his team must respond to the listless home draw the last time out, Akwa United coach, Kennedy Boboye made five changes from the last matchday squad with Etim Matthew, Ubong Friday, Seth Mayi and Mfon Udoh dropped due to injuries and other factors while Ikechukwu Nwani started from the bench.
Abia Warriors coach, Imama Amapakabo did not alter his squad at all. He kept faith with the starting X1 that almost upset form book in Port Harcourt.
The Umuahia side took the game to their opponents and they almost played the entire duel in Akwa United half with the Promise Keepers only reduced to making occasional forays into the hosts’ goal area from counter attacks.
Abia Warriors created several chances but spurned all because of their lack of coordination in the final third. They were in so much haste to finish off the chances made instead of staying patient and have change of tactics when they noticed they have been read well.
But Akwa United will have goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka and defender, Olisa Ndah to thank for the away draw for their determined play throughout the course of the game.
The hosts had two chances in the opening four minutes but the visitors withstood the threat. First foray was initiated by Fatai Abdullahi who launched an attack, floating a cross into Akwa United’s goal area but which was cleared out by Ndah in the second minute.
It was the turn of goalkeeper Adewale to come to the rescue in the fourth minute after he pushed out Anthony Okemmiri’s fine freekick with his strong fist.
Abia Warriors were fortunate not to be a goal down in the 19th minute when Daniel Wotlai made a clumsy back pass to out-of-position Adekunle Adeleke but the Super Eagles invitee was able to maintain his composure despite under pressure from Akwa United’s Charles Atshimene.
Both sides came into the second half with renewed zeal as Abia Warriors threw everything forward to score while Akwa United were content with defending and soaking up the pressure.
Akwa United were reduced to 10 players in the 61st minute after Charles Atshimene overreacted to the centre referee for an infringement in the Abia Warriors’ 18 yard box that didn’t go their way. He insulted the referee and he was subsequently given a straight red card.
The decision further altered the balance of the game, placing Akwa United under increased pressure but Ndah who was by far the best playerbof the game and his teammates stood tall to grab a morale boosting draw in Okigwe.
Abia Warriors remains in the 13th spot with 29 points from 22 games while Akwa United slipped to second officially with 42 points from 23 games. They have gone on two games winless streak.
Abia Warriors Team list
Vincent Edafe, Kabiru Mohammed, Njoku Chimezie, Daniel Wotlai, Harrison Ibukun, Adekunle Adeleke, Anthony Okemmiri (Christian Samuel, 57′), Fatai Abdullahi, Obioma Chukwuemeka (Ugwuka Emmanuel, 89′), Godwin Obaje (Bello Lukman, 71′), Samson Paul (Mustapha Jibreel, 57′)
Substitutes
Olorunleke Ojo, David Ogar, Hammed Yakubu, Markson Ojobo, Udochukwu Anumudu
Akwa United Team list
Adewale Adeyinka, Etboy Akpan (Charles Okafor, 90+2′), David Philip (Kodjovi Dadzie, 68′), Wilson Elu (c), Sampson Gbadebo
Olisa Ndah, Godswill Nicholas (Abubarka Aliyu, 51′), Dare Ojo, Charles Atshimene, Ubong Essien (Ikechukwu Nwani, 51′), Nasiru Jibril (Saidu Salisu, 68′)
Unused Substitutes
David Essien, Marshall Johnson, Adam Yakubu, Samuel Amadi.
Yellow Card: Godswill Nicholas, 32′ (Akwa United)
Red Card: Charles Atshimene, 61′ (Akwa United)
Man of the Match: Olisa Ndah (Akwa United)
