NPFL MD 6: Abia Warriors pip Kwara United
Sunday Megwo proved to be Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin’s nemesis once again, as his second-half goal secured a well-deserved 1-0 victory for Abia Warriors of Umuahia in the rescheduled Matchday 6 of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League encounter, played at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The match, originally slated for Saturday, 12th October 2024, was moved to the next day following a heavy downpour that rendered the pitch unplayable. The Match Commissioner, Mr Edema Fuludu, after consulting with match officials, league organisers, and the officials of both clubs, rescheduled the match to Sunday, 13th October 2024, with an 8 a.m. kickoff time.
Abia Warriors’ gaffer, Coach Imama Amapakabo, made only one change to the side that lost to Rangers in Enugu last time out, with Daniel Ekpo starting ahead of fellow left-footer, Ayodele Ezekiel.
The game lived up to expectations, being entertaining, intriguing, and breathtaking.
The Umu Chineke had a slow start, while Kwara United, coached by Abia Warriors’ former Assistant Coach, Tunde Sani, took the game to the home side, with Shola Abdulraheem orchestrating play from the midfield.
Despite their early dominance, Kwara United failed to create a clear-cut chance at goal, allowing the home side to gradually grow into the game, with Sunday Megwo putting the visitors’ backline under constant pressure.
The first half ended goalless, much to the delight of the spectators who packed the stadium and were thoroughly entertained.
In the second half, the Pride of Abia took control, launching relentless attacks as the visitors sat back to absorb the pressure.
In the 62nd minute, Coach Imama Amapakabo replaced Paul Sampson and Daniel Ekpo with Emmanuel Onu and Ayodele Ezekiel. It was the latter who provided the assist for the decisive goal twelve minutes later.
A free-kick deep in Kwara United’s half was expertly squared by Ayodele Ezekiel, allowing Sunday Megwo to rise highest and head home for Abia Warriors, marking his second goal of the season.
This was also Megwo’s second consecutive goal against Kwara United in two successive seasons.
Kwara United’s head coach, Tunde Sani, made several substitutions in an attempt to salvage a point, but it was still Umu Chineke who controlled the game until the final whistle.