Goalkeeper Ali Ishaku made the headline as Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia defeated Sokoto United to qualify for the semi final of the ongoing 2024 President Federation Cup, played at the FIFA Goal Project pitch in Abuja.
Prince Okorie had put the Warriors in front from the penalty spot in the 31st minute, after a Sokoto United player had blocked Sunday Megwo’s goal-bound shot with his arm, and the centre referee did not hesitate to award a penalty kick to Abia Warriors.
Sokoto United levelled the scores in the 58th minute off a goal mouth scramble after the Warriors failed to clear their lines from a freekick.
Despite having more of the possession, Abia Warriors failed to score another goal and neither did Sokoto United and so, the referee blew the final whistle after 90 minutes.
The game went straight to penalty shootout, where Warriors goalkeeper, Ali Ishaku made a save and his teammates, Prince Okorie, Collins Nwoburuoke, Adejoh Ojonugwa, Ayodele Ezekiel and Sunday Megwo all converted their spot kicks to take the team to the last four for the first time in the club’s history.
Up next for Abia Warriors is a Nigeria Premier Football League match against Bendel Insurance in Umuahia on Sunday, 9th June 2024.
