Taheer 2nd Half Strike Earns Abia Warriors 1-0 Away Victory Against Plateau United in Jos

A second half strike from Plateau State-born winger, Taheer Abubakar, secured a vital 1-0 away victory for Abia Warriors against Plateau United as the Umuahia warlords ended the year and the first stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League on a high.

It was the fourth away victory for Umu Chineke which catapulted them to the second position on the table even as they consolidated on their quest for another continental ticket.

Abia Warriors gaffer, Imama Amapakabo, shocked many Warriors fans with eight changes to the squad that started against Warri Wolves at Umuahia Township Stadium in the last league fixture, handing Ekpere Oguocha his first league start and appearance as well.

The off-field activity was what took centre stage prior to match kickoff, as the Warriors received massive support from Jos fans.

The Plateau State-born trio of Chindi Merpring, Jibrin Faiz and Taheer Abubakar were the centre of attraction as they received massive cheers from their relatives who thronged the New Jos Stadium to support their ambassadors.

It was a cautious approach to the game by both sides, but the hosts enjoyed most of the possession and gradually grew into the game.

They, however, depended largely on long throws to get a breakthrough, which the Warriors effectively dealt with to end the first half goalless.

The hosts made double substitutions at the beginning of the second half to find a way past the visitors’ defence, but the Warriors demonstrated resilience to snuff out possible onslaught and eventually took the lead.

A long kick from the captain of the day and goalkeeper, Odah Okiemute, in the 68th minute was floated by Chindi Merpring, and Taheer Abubakar followed up with frightening speed to outrun his marker and chip the ball over home goal tender, Bala Favour to score and ignite a wild jubilation in the stands.

The hosts were stunned, and their bench instantly made three more substitutions in search of the equalizer.

The Warriors’ bench responded with five substitutions of their own throwing into the fray, Emmanuel Ogbuagu, Fatal Abdullahi, Paul Samson, Samuel Ogunjimi and Innocent Godwin to see the game through.

The Warriors will proceed on a break and resume on 3rd January 2025, as they welcome Plateau United to the Umuahia Township Stadium for the reverse matchday 20 fixture on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

*Abia Warriors Media*