Chinemerem Okike’s goal in the 8th minute secured all the three points for Abia Warriors who beat neighbors, Heartland Football Club of Owerri 1-0 in a fiercely contested oriental derby decided at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Technical Adviser of Abia Warriors, Erasmus Onuh who moved to Umuahia two seasons ago from Heartland, handed youngster, Chinemerem Okike and Samson Obi their first start of the on-going Nigeria Premier Football League season, and the duo combined to deliver the goal which later proved decisive.
The Warriors took the game to the visitors from the first blast of the referee’s whistle dominating possession in the process which culminated in the goal .
A sweet delivery by Emmanuel Onu from the left flank was headed down by Chinemerem Okike, and Samson Obi reacted the quickest to warm the palms of Emmanuel Iwu, the Heartland goalkeeper and the erstwhile Abia Warriors shot stopper could only parry the ball towards the part of Okike to slot home.
Heartland came all out in the second half in search of the equalizer but the Warriors were resolute and held on untill the centre referee blew the final whistle.
Abia Warriors heads to Akure, Ondo State for their next NPFL match against Sunshine Stars.
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