Abia
Warriors Football Club of Umuahia lost their second match of the season as
Nasarawa United edged them 3-2 in an entertaining Match Day 16 Nigeria
Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter that took place at the Aper Aku
Stadium, Makurdi, Benue state on Wednesday.
After the
Warriors missed two glaring opportunities that would have put them at the
driver's seat, Nasarawa United took the lead against the run of play through
hitman, Abdulrahman Bashir in the 18th minute but youngster, Michael Olaha
superbly drew the Warriors level with the last kick of the half as he chipped
over on- rushing home goalkeeper, Danlami Umar.
The Umuahia
team suffered a major psychological blow when they conceded in the first minute
of the second half through skipper Emmanuel Makama who converted a
controversial penalty awarded his side by the center referee from Sokoto state,
Bala Marwa.
But
Warriors' top scorer this season, Ndifreke Effiong, made it 2-2 in the 56th
minute for his fifth league goal so far and after Warriors winger, Stanley
Okoro was sent off for what the referee termed
as ungentlemanly behavior, Bashir struck again in the 75th minute to
complete his brace and it turned out to be the winner.
The Warriors
had the opportunity to draw level but wasted the chances as the referee blew
off the game.
Dogo
Abdulahi, Nasarawa Utd's coach, said he was disappointed the way his defenders
let in goals, but praised his front men for living up to expectations.
Chijioke
Osuagwu, who spoke on behalf of the Abia Warriors bench, expressed reservations
over the officiating of the game insisting that the red card disorganized his
side and tactics.
Osuagwu, who
led Abia Warriors from the National League to the Premiership three seasons
ago, however promised that his side will get it right in their subsequent
encounters.
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