El Kanemi secure first away win since 2012

By Taofeek Babalola

El Kanemi Warriors secured its first away win of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2016/2017 season after beating Abia Warriors 1-0  in a week nine game at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday.

The feat was Borno Army’s first away win since gaining promotion back to the NPFL in 2011/2012 season.

A University of Maiduguri student, Hussaini Bata Muhammad’s 7th minute strike separated both sides in a tension soaked encounter that left the home fans dejected and moved his side to second position on the log.

Despite being a goal up, Ladan Bosso's boys were all over Abia Warriors, piling pressure perhaps to end their poor away forms which they eventually did.

Abia Warriors made attempt to get an equalizer for home team but Ndifreke’s free kick was saved by George Michael.

El-Kanemi goalscorer, Bata was substituted for Sunday Anthony in the 90th minute when it was obvious that his side had secured all important three points at stake in the game.

At 85 minutes, tensed supporters of Abia Warriors urging their side to go for goal, but El Kanemi held on to end the game 1-0.

Interestingly, El Kanemi Warriors coach Ladan Bosso was in charge of Abia Warriors two seasons ago and he promised to get something out of the game before the kick off, insisting that he has a lot of support in Umuahia. 

The team’s Team Manager, Baba Ali Ajayi commended his boys for their fighting spirit.

“I think our boys gave a good fight today and they really showed that they mean business this season. This is a huge result for us after a long time. Although, we have been getting draws away but we have been finding it very difficult to pick three points on the road, but I thank God that finally we are able achieved that today. This is our first away win since we returned into premier league in 2012. We would cherish this for a very long time,” Ajayi said to SportingLife.