Abia Warriors have restored their superiority over arch-rivals, Enyimba in the Abia Derby following a 2-1 victory in Okigwe during the Match Day 21 of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League season.
Abia Warriors have now won 9 games against Enyimba since 2015 compared to two losses in 2021 and the most recent during the first encounter in Aba on December 19, 2021 which ended with the same scoreline.
The hosts went in front through Yakub Hammed who rifled home a powerful left-footed drive from 25 yards to set the Abia Classic on fire in the 30th minute.
7 minutes later, the Warriors were flying high in Okigwe as Valentine Odoh spurned an offside trap to expertly finish off a brilliant pass from the middle as they led by 2-0.
Just before the halftime whistle was blown, Pascal Eze halved the deficit for Enyimba after Warriors defence failed to deal with Gabriel Orok’s corner kick to end the first half 2-1.
At the restart of the second half, Enyimba made two changes at the break as Emeka Obioma and Ekene Awazie come on for Philip Ozor and Gabriel Orok respectively.
The substitutes made good impacts in the game but yet again as it has happened in previous games, Enyimba twice come close but were denied on each occasion by Abia GK Edafe who repelled efforts by the two substitutes Awazie and Obioma within seconds apart as the game ended 2-1.
In the other games played, Kano Pillars were unable to defeat Akwa United as the game ended 0-0 while Dakkada FC revenged their 3-0 loss in the first stanza with a 2-0 victory over Kwara United at the Nest of Champions, Uyo.
Enugu Rangers have now done a double over Katsina United with a slim 1-0 victory while Shooting Stars played out a 0-0 draw just as the clash in the first stanza.
MFM have failed to defeat Remo Stars this season as the game ended 1-0 while Nasarawa United took apart Heartland FC with a 2-0 victory in Jos.
Meanwhile, tomorrow, Sunshine Stars will play away to Wikki Tourists while Rivers United welcome Lobi Stars. The last game will be between Plateau United and Niger Tornadoes
