A major disaster was averted at the Umuahia Township Stadium
on Sunday when Abia Warriors defender, Emmanuel Olowo collapsed midway into
Abia Warriors' week six encounter with visiting Enugu Rangers International
after colliding mid-air with his goalkeeper, John Gaadi.
Gaadi had accidentally punched the defender in the face as he
attempted to clear a dangerous goal-bound ball and he collapsed and remained
motionless forcing the referee Ferdinand Udoh to stop the game temporarily.
The centre referee later invited the joint medical team which
battled to revive the former Kano Pillars player before he was rushed to the
hospital in a waiting ambulance.
During the game which ended 2-2, Bobby Clement silenced the
capacity crowd with a well taken goal in the 26th minute but former captain,
Chima Uluocha equalised for Abia Warriors from the spot in the 39th minute. At
the dot of 45 minute, Chrisom Egbuchulam restored Rangers' lead through a
wonderful free kick as the players retired into the dressing room.
When play resumed Abia Warriors dominated the game and duly
equalised through Chisom Chikatara who converted a pullout from Ndifreke
Effiong.
Abia Warriors had the opportunity to win it but could not
convert their chances into goals.
In his reaction Abia Warriors manager, Kennedy Boboye
lamented the injury to one of his most reliable defenders but thanked God for
sparing his life. Boboye, who said his boys had a good game, added that Olowo
was still being assessed to determine the enormity of the injury.
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