TONY OKEMMIRI SHINES AGAIN, DESPITE WARRIORS LOSS TO ENYIMBA

Abia Warriors petit mid-fielder, Anthony Okemmiri shone like a million stars and was voted the man-of-the-match by sports writers who covered the week 36 Glo Premier League encounter between Abia Warriors Football Club and Enyimba International of Aba at the Umuahia township Stadium at the weekend which Enyimba won 1-0.

The Uzuakoli, in Abia State – born former Dolphins of Port Harcourt and Kwara United Utility player, who joined the Umuahia based Warriors this season, also won the maiden edition of the award in Abia Warriors’ last home match against Lobi Stars of Makurdi a fortnight ago also in Umuahia.

Tony beat his closest rival, Mfon Udoh of Enyimba who scored the only goal in the Abia derby to cart home the award instituted by the Abia Warriors management to encourage the players put up their best during home games.

Receiving the award from a business mogul Chief Obioma Okorie, Tony expressed gratitude to the management of Abia Warriors for initiating the award, adding that he was humbled and honoured to win it back-to-back and particularly against a star- studded Enyimba side promising that he will continue to do his best to lift Abia Warriors to greater heights.

Earlier, Chief Obioma Okorie, who was the guest of honour at the match, described Tony as a highly skilful footballer, predicting that he would go places if he keeps his head low.

The much publicized Abia “el-Classico”, lived up to expectations as the two sides kept it tight. Enyimba was awarded a penalty in the first half but captain, Chinedu Udoji shot tamely into the waiting hands of Chinedu Anozie, in goal for the Warriors.

As the game wore on, the capacity crowd which included the State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, thought it could end goalless until substitute, Mfon Udoh broke lose from the left side and dragged the ball beyond Bassey Akpan.

The Warriors attack, led by Super Eagles striker, Chisom Chikatara, bombarded the Enyimba defence ceaselessly but could not find the equalizer.

ABIA WARRIORS BATTLE ENYIMBA IN ABIA EL-CLASSICO BY IGWE ONUOHA

It is going to be battle royale on Sunday, the 1st of November, 2015 when Abia Warriors Football club of Umuahia host league leaders, Enyimba international of Aba in what has been widely described as the “Abia el-classico”.

The Peoples Elephant will be visiting Umuahia with the intention of breaking the jinx of never defeating their oriental brothers in the Premier league since the capital club made it to the elite class two seasons ago. In their previous three meetings, Abia Warriors have an edge with a win and two draws.

Enyimba fc

In their first Premier league season, Abia Warriors, with 1-0 win became the only team to beat Enyimba in their fortress in Aba while the second leg encounter ended 3-3 in Umuahia. Earlier this season at the Enyimba International stadium, Aba, the two sides settled for a 2-2 draw.

But on current form, Enyimba on 65 points lead their neighbours by 15 points and the six-time Nigerian Champions are gunning for their seventh title and do not see the Warriors stopping them. On 60 and 59 points respectively, Giwa FC of Jos and Warri Wolves are however giving Enyimba a run for their money but luckily, Enyimba’s last home match of the season is against the Seasiders in Aba.

So Enyimba’s Championship ambition is not actually tied to the Abia Warriors match on Sunday contrary to the widely held view but rather the match against Warri Wolves where they have their fate in their own hands.

A victory against the Wolves in Aba will see them win the league even with a game to spare against Sunshine Stars in Akure on the last day of the league and irrespective of the result in this weekend’s encounter against the Warriors who have won 14 of their 17 home games so far this season.

ABIA WARRIORS FC

For Giwa FC, a team of the moment that have lost only seven of their 35 games so far, their two away matches against Heartland in Owerri and neighbours Nasarawa United in Lafia could determine their ambition of picking a continental ticket although they are expected to win their only remaining home game against Shooting Stars of Ibadan before their visit to Lafia.

In all, the Abia Warriors Chairman, Chief Emeka Inyama has called on the Enyimba and Abia Warriors officials, Players and Supporters to maintain a high sense of decorum before, during and after the game on Sunday as government will not be happy with anybody whose conduct could tarnish the image of the state using the match as a cover to ferment trouble.

ABIA WARRIORS FC, YOUTH TEAM PROGRESS IN FA CUP

ABIA WARRIORS FC

Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia have qualified for the final of this year’s Abia State FA Cup competition following a 3-1 victory over Enyimba Feeders of Abia.

The encounter, which took place at the Umuahia Township Stadium, saw homeboy, Chisom Chikatara score two goals in the first half including a penalty while Ndifreke Effiong netted the consolidator after Louis Okoro had pulled one back for the Enyimba boys.

ABIA WARRIORS FC

With the victory, Abia Warriors also qualified for the National Federation cup contest as the two finalists in the state FA Cup will represent each state at the National Federation Cup competition.

The Warriors will await their final opponents who will emerge after the semi-final encounter between the defending champions, Enyimba International of Aba and Abia Warriors Youth team. The semi final match was postponed by the Abia State Football Association because of Enyimba’s continental engagements.

To make it to the last four, Abia Warriors Youth Team narrowly edged their city rivals, Diamond International Football Academy 7-6 on penalties after scores stood 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

NOLLYWOOD STAR CHARLES AWURUM,COMMENDS ABIA WARRIORS

Abia Warriors FC

Renowned Nollywood Star, Charles Awurum, has described Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia as an outfit that has the ability to rule Nigeria in this season’s Glo Premier League.

Awurum, who was one of the numerous special guests including Diewait Ikpechukwu, who watched the Warriors hold visiting Enyimba International of Aba to a thrilling 3-3 draw in a week 24 encounter in Umuahia said from what he saw, The Warriors, who are making their debut in the elite class of Nigerian Football, have demonstrated that they are not pushovers having challenged for the title with other soccer giants in the country.

NOLLYWOOD STAR CHARLES AWURUM,COMMENDS ABIA WARRIORS.

The Nollywood Star, who presented prizes to winners of Abia Warriors’ “Pick n’ win” raffle draw which hold at half time of every home game, said he was not surprised at the exploits of the club this season considering the caliber of men behind it like the Chairman, Chief Emeka Inyama adding that with fantastic prizes going to lucky winners in the half time draw, it was not surprising the arena was jam-packed.

While insisting that this was the first of its kind in Nigerian Football, the special guest commended the management of the club for brining true professionalism to Abia Warriors pointing out that by giving out prizes like plasma television, DVD Players, Electric Iron, Standing Fans and club replica jerseys among others to their fans, Abia Warriors appreciates their support.