Abia Warriors secured their first away victory in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, overcoming hosts, Kwara United 1-0 at the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.
A 48th-minute penalty converted by Emeka Obioma after a Kwara United player handled the ball inside his box secured the maximum points for Umu Chineke.
The Warriors head coach, Imama Amapakabo, made two changes to the side that beat league champions, Remo Stars, at the Umuahia Township Stadium, last Thursday, with Sunday Megwo and Paul Samson making way for Casmir Azubuike and Yakub Hammed.
It was a slow start to the game from both sides, but it was the Warriors who had more of the possession.
The possession nearly paid off in the 19th minute as left wing back, Faiz Jubrin’s delivery was met by Obioma, but the hosts’ keeper, Nurudeen Badmus, made a brilliant save to deny him.
The effort seemed to startle the Harmony Boys as they tried to conjure attacks of their own, but the Warriors’ defence, marshalled by Innocent Gabriel, Jubrin Faiz, Adekunle Adeleke, and Somiari Alalibo, as well as goalkeeper, Okiemute Odah, remained resolute.
There was nothing to separate the two sides as Lagos State-based centre referee, Tope John Ojeleye, brought the first half to a close.
But the second half was a different ball game entirely as both sides unleashed whatever they had in their arsenal to gain an advantage.
Within two minutes of restart, the Warriors pressed for a goal, and were deservedly awarded a penalty as a United player, under pressure, handled the ball inside his box, and the centre referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot.
Obioma sent Kwara United goalkeeper, Nurudeen Badmus, the wrong way to score his second successive league goal for Umu Chineke.
Kwara United head coach, Tunde Sanni, made changes in an attempt to salvage the situation, but it was the Warriors who showed calmness, resilience and character to stay up with Fatai Abdullahi bossing the midfield.
Nonetheless, the Warriors’ bench responded with a wholesale substitution of their own as pressure began to mount, introducing Maxwell Kangeshima, Innocent Godwin, Israel Joseph and Chindi Merpring to steady the ship.
On two separate occasions, Odah was called to duty, and he demonstrated why the Warriors’ gaffer reposed confidence in him by pulling off incredible saves, to the disbelief of the home supporters, as the Warriors held on for a well-deserved victory.
Up next for Abia Warriors is an Oriental Derby against Rangers International in a rescheduled fixture on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.