Abia Warriors’ talisman, Chukwuemeka Obioma, netted a brace, but his efforts were not enough as the Umuahia warlords forced Doma United Football Club of Gombe to a 2-2 draw in a Matchday 12 fixture of the Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League.
Expectations were high from Warriors’ fans and supporters prior to the game, but Umu Chineke came short at the end of the day, profligacy in front of goal their worst undoing.
Spectators were still making their way into the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, when the away side took the lead in the 7th minute of play as Tijani Azeez profited from a defensive mix-up to score.
The hosts would have drawn level in the 21st minute, but Chukwuemeka Obioma failed to score from a one-on-one situation with Doma United goaltender, Pius Ibrahim, at his mercy.
The league’s top score, however, made up for his miss when he restored parity for the home team in the 38th minute, heading home Ochoche Ngbede’s cross.
The second half saw the hosts dominate play, pinning the Savannah Tigers in their own half.
Against the run of play, the visitors took the lead yet again in the 68th minute, after the Warriors failed to deal with a long ball, and Samuel Akpan scored from close range.
The Warriors responded by mounting pressure on the visitors, which paid off in the 79th minute, as Obioma poked home Ochoche Ngbede’s pass to draw the Warriors level.
Obioma, the League’s top scorer, would have won the game for the hosts, but he skied his effort from close range after being put through on goal in the last minute of the five minutes additional time.
Up next for Abia Warriors is a trip to Lagos for a date with Inter Lagos.