By Emmanuel Chinedu
Antoine Ijoma’s 42nd minute strike helped Abia Warriors to secure a vital three points, after defeating defending champions, Rangers International, 1-0, in an Oriental Derby, on Wednesday.
The encounter which took centre stage, at the Umuahia Township Stadium, was a midweek Matchday 25 fixture, in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The encounter was seen as the biggest clash of the day; with two tacticians Imama Amapakabo (Abia Warriors) and Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers) going head-to-head that brought more fireworks to the game.
With just three minutes remaining to play before the end of the first half, the Umuchineke Boys took the lead when Togolese forward, Antoine picked up a loose ball before slotting it into the net, and the Warriors went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, the host went inches closer to doubling their lead, in the 59th minute, after Sunday Megwo’s low strike was saved in the late minute by Rangers defender, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi.
The hosts were also denied a penalty, after Megwo appeared to have beenhacked down inside the Rangers’ 18 yard box, but the Centre Referee, Joseph Ogabor waved play on. The Warriors held on to secure the vital three points against their Oriental rivals.
With the victory, Warriors have moved two step up into the fourth position on the log on 39 points after 25 games. Rangers with the defeat, move down to the fifth position on 38 points.
Extrasportnigeria 
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