Abia Warriors on Sunday added to the troubled season Heartland after a one nil defeat on MatchDay 6 of the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) played at the Okigwe Township stadium.
It was already headed for a bad day in office for the Naze Millionaires who could only muster 14 players for the match day, with 11 in the field and 3 on the bench in the Oriental derby”.
After Gabriel put the home side in front when he reacted swiftly to score from a defensive blunder by Heartland goalkeeper, Godwin Paul, the Umuahia based side held on to the slim advantage until the end of the first 45 minutes.
The second half sprang into life early as both teams created chances but were not clinical in front of goal.
As the game stretched towards the end, it was the Naze millionaires that were asking all the questions but the defense line of Abia Warriors were resolute to repulse every attack.
A 90th minute mother of all misses would have changed the narrative of the game had Azukwu Jonathan directed his kick well in front of an empty goal post.
In added time, Abia Warriors Striker Godwin Obaje would have himself to blame to have received the marching order for a reckless tackle on Heartland player, Okoro Ebuka.
Imama Amakpakabo, Coach of the Warriors admitted post match that Oriental derbies in the NPFL were always difficult games, adding that he was satisfied with result of the game.
“As you know it was an Oriental Derby and such games are always difficult and comes with its prices, but I am satisfied with the way my players reacted and the result was heartwarming” he said.
Heartland’s handler, Hassan Abdullah also expressed satisfaction with the reaction by his team despite conceding an early goal in the game. He is looking forward to retooling their tactics and techniques.
“I am so happy and satisfied with my players’ reactions even though we conceded an early goal, but their fight back, most especially in the second half was impressive. We were simply unlucky not to have scored” he said.
