Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia cemented their Premier League status with a commanding 2-0 victory over their South-South neighbours, Akwa United Football Club of Uyo, in the Matchday 37 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League played at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
A brace from Abia Warriors hitman, Sunday Megwo, who struck in each half, decided the tie.
The game had generated so much anxiety and suspense amongst supporters of both clubs, prior to its kick-off, as both teams fought the survival battle.
Home Coach, Bethel Oji made three changes to the side that defeated Gombe United 3-1 away at the Pantami Stadium four days earlier, as Veteran goalkeeper, Femi Thomas, Arinze Ogbonna and Ayodele Ezekiel took the places of Ali Ishaku, Daniel Wotlai and Paschal Nwabueze respectively.
Whatever the gaffer told his boys had the intended effect as the lads charged at their neighbours from the onset. And within three minutes of play, the spectators had something to cheer.
A well tailored pass to Sunday Megwo by Ayodele Ezekiel saw the striker control the ball inside the box, dribbled his marker and used his left foot after cutting in to slam the ball into the roof of the net for the opener. A beauty of a goal it was and a deserved lead for the home side.
The goal actually spurred the Pride of Umuahia as they fired from all cylinders. Samson Obi and Sunday Megwo a constant nuisance for the Promise Keepers.
Despite their dominance, Abia Warriors failed to add a second goal as the first half ended 1-0 in their favour.
Akwa United tried to take the game to the Warriors as the second half got underway, but the lads from Umuahia were having none of it as they conjured up everything thrown at them rigorously, and still maintained dominance in the midfield, where Ojonugwa Adejoh and Arinze Ogbonna reigned supreme.
After waves of attack by the Warriors, it was deservedly 2-0 in the 52nd minute.
A long ball into Akwa United’s box was chipped over the on-rushing Akwa Utd goalkeeper by Meme Okike, but as the ball was about to cross the goal line, an Akwa United player nodded it out, and Sunday Megwo reacted the quickest to head the ball into the net to complete his brace and send the Abia Warriors supporters into delirium.
Akwa United was rattled after that and they came all out in search of a goal, but the defence quartet of Aliyu Mohammed, Collins Nwoburuoke, Prince Okorie and Jerry Ogu showed character to ward off any potential threat.
With this result, Abia Warriors have confirmed their premiership status for next season, and they will now set sail to Lafia, venue for their President Federation Cup semi final match against Kano Pillars on Thursday.
