Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia earned their first away point in the ongoing 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League season with a 2-2 draw against Bayelsa United in a Match Day 11 encounter.
Two goals apiece in the second half ensured that the spoils were shared in the game played at the Sampson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Coach Erasmus Onuh made only one change to the team that beat Rangers International in the Match Day 10 game played at Umuahia Township Stadium. Daniel Ijeh replacing the injured Jerry Ogu in left back.
The home side basking in the euphoria of their draw against Katsina United in Katsina came all out for a win and drew the first save from Warriors keeper, Johnson Nmecha, but it was the away side that had the ball in the net first, unfortunately, Ugwunna Chidera’s headed effort was cancelled for offside. Nonetheless, Abia Warriors played well and had a fair share of possession with Emmanuel Onu as the tormentor-in-chief while Samson Obi bullied United’s defence.
And it did not come as a surprise when Obi opened the scoring for the Warriors in the 76th minute completing a flowing counter attack which also involved Dehinde Ibrahim. The quick feet striker made a dashing run into the opponent’s half and laid a pass for on-rushing Samson Obi to stab home his first league goal of the season.
Three minutes later, Ibrahim Dehinde turned scorer when United’s goal keeper failed to deal with Emmanuel Onu’s cross, only for Abia Warriors number 27 jersey to pounce for his 3rd goal of the season.
With a third home defeat starring them in the face, Bayelsa United threw everything at their visitors and were rewarded when League’s top scorer, Robert Mizo scored two quick goals in the 82nd (off a freekick) and 87th minutes to draw his side level following a defensive mix-up by the Warriors
Abia Warriors still had the opportunity to grab all the points when Ugwunna Chidera found himself unmarked in the opponent’s 16-metre box in injury time only to balloon his effort with the goalkeeper at his mercy.
It ended 2-2 at Yenagoa and Abia Warriors will head home to prepare for their Match Day 12 game against Sporting Lagos in Umuahia.
