Match Report: Abia Warriors vs Shooting Stars

MATCH REPORT

Abia Warriors 2–0 Shooting Stars SC

We fell to a 2–0 defeat against Abia Warriors in our Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 29 clash at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

The hosts started brightly, but our goalkeeper Godgift was called into action early, producing a sharp save in the 1st minute to deny Abia Warriors and keep the score level.

First Half

We gradually settled into the contest and looked to threaten going forward. In the 11th minute, Stephen Amos tried his luck from distance, but his effort was blocked by the Abia Warriors defence. Two minutes later, goalkeeper Godgift Elkanah produced a fine save in the 13th minute to deny the hosts and keep the score level.

However, Abia Warriors eventually made their pressure count in the 17th minute, taking the lead and putting us on the back foot. We responded by tightening up defensively, with Gbolagade making a good defensive clearance in the 27th minute to prevent further danger.

There was a brief stoppage in the 29th minute when Qamar Adegoke went down and required medical attention before play resumed. We pushed forward in search of an equaliser, and Sodiq Ibrahim had a chance in the 32nd minute, but his effort missed the target. A few minutes later, Qamar Adegoke also tried his luck in the 38th minute, but his shot drifted wide of the post.

The referee brought the first half to a close with Abia Warriors leading 1–0.

Second Half

At the start of the second half, we made a double substitution in the 45th minute, introducing Justice Apaingolo and Lucky Emmanuel in place of Tunde Azeez and Austin Onyemaechi.

We continued to defend resolutely, with Gbolagade producing another crucial block in the 50th minute. However, Abia Warriors extended their lead in the 53rd minute, scoring their second goal of the match to make it 2–0.

Coach adjustments followed as Kalio Tamuno replaced Ayobami Junior in the 59th minute in a bid to add fresh energy to the midfield. We created opportunities, with Sodiq Ibrahim testing the goalkeeper in the 63rd minute, but his effort went straight into the keeper’s hands.

Further changes saw Tijani Al-Ameen come on for Desmond Ojietefian in the 71st minute, while Adams Mustapha replaced Qamar Adegoke in the 84th minute.

We continued to push late on. In the 83rd minute, Justice Apaingolo delivered a cross into the box that unfortunately found no teammate. Lucky Emmanuel also went close in the 90th minute, but his header failed to hit the target.

In stoppage time, Adams Mustapha received a yellow card in the 90+3 minute, before the referee signalled the end of the contest in the 90+4 minute.

Full-Time

Despite moments of attacking intent and several tactical adjustments, we were unable to find a breakthrough in Aba. Abia Warriors capitalised on their chances to secure the victory, while we will now look to regroup and refocus ahead of our next NPFL fixtures as we face Rivers United and Wikki Tourists at home respectively.