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2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 37: Abia Warriors beat El-Kanemi to pick continental ticket

Posted : 12 May 2025

Abia Warriors came from behind to defeat El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri 2-1 at the Umuahia Township Stadium, thereby securing a continental slot for the first time in their history.


As results from other centres filtered in, Umu Chineke knew they would be one of the teams to represent Nigeria on the continent next season, as their closest challengers—Ikorodu City of Lagos and Enyimba of Aba—both lost their away games to champions Remo Stars and Nasarawa United, respectively.


With only one game remaining in the season, Abia Warriors opened a four-point gap over their closest rivals.


Fears of a possible upset gripped the Umuahia Township Stadium when, against the run of play, Muktar Ismail smashed home from close range to give El-Kanemi the lead, following a counter-attack that left the Umuahia boys' defence flat-footed in the closing stages of the first half.


But as the second half resumed, the Umuahia Warriors went in search of an equalizer, mounting pressure after pressure on the visitors.


Their efforts paid off in the 54th minute when captain of the day, Ojonugwa Adejoh, capped a fine team move with a well-struck shot to beat the visitors' goalkeeper and restore parity.


Abia Warriors’ enigmatic number eight turned provider in the 70th minute, delivering a pinpoint cross that was headed home by centre-back Emmanuel Ogbuagu, who stole in behind the El-Kanemi defenders to give the hosts the lead and spark wild jubilation in the stands.


With Abia Warriors now in front, the visitors’ bench made several substitutions in an attempt to salvage the game, but Umu Chineke held on to see out the match and claim a continental ticket for the first time in the club's history—with one game to spare.


Next for Abia Warriors is a trip to Lagos, where they will take on Ikorodu City to conclude the season.

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