By Emmanuel Chinedu In Umuahia
Paul Samson was the hero, as his goal and an assist helped Abia Warriors FC secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lagos-based side Ikorodu City in a highly entertaining Nigeria Premier Football League match at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba. That slim win on Sunday is priceless and has kept the Warriors on high alert for a continental ticket.
The Matchday 35 fixture lived up to the pre-match hype as the two sides, both chasing a continental ticket, displayed mesmerising football artistry that reflects the abundance of talent in the Nigerian league, leaving many spectators on the edge of their seats.
The home side deservedly took the lead in the 22nd minute, when Paul Samson headed in Innocent Gabriel’s free kick to put Warriors 1-0 ahead.
The visitors were not deterred by the goal, as they pressed for a goal of their own that materialised in the 36th minute, after a moment of laxity on the part of the Warriors allowed Remi Adeoye time and space to shoot from 30 yards and score for the visitors.
Paul Samson turned from scorer to provider when his defence-splitting pass located Valentine Ugwu, and the latter stylishly chipped the ball over the on-rushing Ikorodu City’s keeper, Michael Atata, for the second goal that turned out to be the winner.
The Warriors had another goal two minutes into the second half – Fatai Abdullahi’s bullet of a shot from a corner kick, hitting the back of the net. But the goal was ruled out for offside.
The visitors tried to find another goal from occasional counter-attacks, but the Warriors’ defence line was having none of it.
With the game getting intriguing by the minute, the Warriors’ bench introduced Casmir Azubuike and Shedrack Asiegbu, for Suraj Lawal Fatai Abdullahi, and later, Chindi Merpring and Ebenezer Omoge for Emeka Obioma and Paul Samson, to see off the game.
Up next for Abia Warriors is an away tie against Rivers United in Port Harcourt in two weeks as the league goes on a short season break.
Extrasportnigeria 
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