Azubuike’s Brace Downs El-Kanemi Warriors as Abia Warriors Bounce Back in Style

Two first-half goals from Casmir Azubike, secured a vital win for Abia Warriors over visiting El-Kanemi Warriors in a matchday 8 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League, decided at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

It was a game where the hosts made their intentions known from the first blast of the referee’s whistle, having a go at their opponents.

Abia Warriors’ gaffer, Imama Amapakabo, made only one change to the side that lost in Enugu, Sunday Megwo returning to the starting lineup after missing the games against Kwara United in Ilorin and Rangers in Enugu. Shedrack Asiegbu, the player who made way.

Within three minutes of the game, dazzling winger, Suraj Lawal found his way into the opponents’ box, but his shot was met with a desperate block, and it was followed up five minutes later as Emeka Obioma’s shot was parried to safety.

The veteran striker was denied again in the 13th minute of play as El-Kanemi Warriors ‘ goalkeeper, Hakeem Otuyiga, parried his shot yet again.

Hakeem was again called into action in the 20th minute as he doused the panic caused by Suraj’s cross into his box.

But he was helpless as the home side went into the lead four minutes later.

The Umuahia Warlords orchestrated a string of passes, culminating in a simple pass to Sunday Megwo, who had roamed into the visitors’ box before backheeling a pass to Casmir Azubike to score the opener.

Azubuike completed his brace three minutes later as Jubrin Faiz’s delivery into El-Kanemi Warriors’ box caused a mix-up between Hakeem Otuyiga and his centre-back, Habila David, and Azubuike was quick to toe the ball and head into an empty net.

Suraj Lawal was unlucky as his goal in the 36th minute was ruled out for offside. It came on the heels of another enterprising play from Umu Chineke.

The second half saw the visitors come out in search of a goal as they began to find their rhythm. But it was the hosts who could have extended their lead as their penalty appeal was waved away by the Rivers State-based Centre Referee, Uchenna Enyadike, in the 51st minute.

Sunday Megwo appeared to reach a through ball in the visitors’ box, only to be hacked down by the goalkeeper, Hakeem Otuyiga, and the Referee awarded a freekick instead, to the chagrin of the home side’s bench and the spectators who voiced their disapproval.

Despite wholesale substitutions from both sides, Abia Warriors saw the match through and secured all the three points at stake and stay second on the 20-team table.

Up next for Abia Warriors is a date with Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan.

*Abia Warriors Media*