Abia Warriors who began the day third on the log, made one change to the side that held FC Ifeanyiubah to a barren draw on matchday 14, with Chinedu Ozor replacing Bolaji Sakin. The home side were without striker, Chisom Chikatara, despite being in pole position for a place, after returning from a lengthy lay off. Giwa FC coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, preferred Ibrahim Salau ahead of Amos Gyang in a strong 4-3-3 formation.
Early pressure from the hosts almost led to the opener, when Friday Achimugwu forced an incredible save off a Stanley Okoro attempt. The former junior international further stirred Giwa FC’s defence in the 20th minute, but his cross sailed across the face of goal, with no one in particularly to tap in.
The visitors edged close to drawing first blood in the 28th minute, when Gyang got the better of Abia Warriors’ defence, and rushed to the end of Charles Henlong’s cross, nodding diagonally to the path of Chinedu Anozie, who required a full stretch to keep the score barren. Anozie was tested further in the half hour mark, but turned Moses Henry Opitoke’s low strike to safety.
Ihuarulam got his side in front, rushing in to head home Valentine Nwabili’s inch perfect cross within six yards, bringing an intriguing first half to an end.
Substitute Gyang, with the best opportunity in the second half, almost drew the visitors level when he got the better of Austin Obaroakpo, displaced Anozie, but was denied by the woodwork.
Giwa FC had Achimugwu to thank for not conceding more in the closing stages, as the goalie denied Kalu Nweke and Henry Nwaimo late on. The victory moves Abia Warriors temporarily to top of the log, ahead of Rangers International who engage Shooting Stars in Enugu on Sunday.
Source:npfl.ng
