It was a game that came to life in the second half but it turned out to be the match that meant more for Abia Warriors in their quest to move up the ladder in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The side from Umuahia came, saw and shockingly conquered to claim the match points following a 2-1 win against a troubled Lobi Stars in Makurdi in the Matchday 18 encounter.
Lobi had come into the game on the back of three straight defeats and were desperate to get back to winning ways. They looked like they would do that right from the get go, but were let down by profligate shooting in front of goal and perhaps, some brilliant goalkeeping by Warriors’ keeper Ibrahim Pius.
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Both coaches made quick changes as the second half got underway but it was Abia Warriors that had their nose in front within nine minutes into restart when Odoh Valentine finished up a brilliant delivery by substitute Yakub Hammed.
Lobi Stars responded quickly and evened the score two minutes after as Solomon Kwambe tapped home a loose ball after Pius failed to clear a shot from Okonkwo Chinonso.
The hosts took control of the game from then on and went close to scoring the winner on two occasions but Pius stood firm to ward off the scoring opportunities from Kwambe, Raphael Ayagwa and Ifeanyi Ogba.
As the game was heading to a stalemate, Abia Warriors sent the home fans into dead silence with six minutes to go when Valentine went on a mazy run into edge of Lobi’s box before sending a shot that Stanley Nwabali had no answer for.
Thereafter, the Warriors stood firm to record their first win on the road this season and also inflict a record fourth straight defeat for Lobi Stars.
The result has moved Abia Warriors to 13th on the log with 21 points while Lobi Stars have dropped into the red zone (17) with 19 points.
Lobi will be taking on Enugu Rangers while Abia Warriors will host Kastina United in their next matches to see out the first stanza of this season.
