More Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) sides continue to engage in preparatory matches ahead of the January commencement of the new league season.
Two losses in three days for Abia Warriors
Abia Warriors continued their preparation under new coach Rafael Everton with difficult games against top flight oppositions on Friday and Sunday.
Playing at their home ground in Umuahia, the Warriors fell 0-1 to the other Warriors, El-Kanemi on Friday evening. Former Rangers striker Ocheme Edoh scored the only goal of the game in the first half.
Forty-eight hours later Abia Warriors were guests to Akwa United in Uyo and they fell by the same scoreline. Attacking midfielder Cyril Olisema continued his pre-season form for Akwa by providing the winner in the first half of the contest.
Abia Warriors have now lost by the 0-1 scoreline to El-Kanemi, Akwa United and non-league side Diamond Football Academy.
Nasarawa United conquer Warriors from North East
After beating Abia Warriors on Friday, El-Kanemi Warriors left for Lafia where they engaged hosts Nasarawa United at the Lafia Township Stadium on Sunday.
United left back Rabiu Shehu and Abdulhamid Aruna scored within six second half minutes to put Imama Amapakabo’s Warriors to the sword.
Ifeanyiubah inseparable from spot kicks
Even in pre-season, FC Ifeanyiubah required a penalty, converted by winger Bright Onyedikachi to make sure of victory against Nationwide League One side, Cynosure FC in a test match in Nnewi on Saturday.
Ladan Bosso’s men went in front early on when two defenders combined, Ghanaian Isaac Badu converting Joe Maamo’s cross. Onyedikachi made it two after twenty three minutes from the spot after Ifeanyi Ezeh was upended inside the box.
Osadiaye loves life under Aigbogun
Former African champions Enyimba were also involved in a kick-about in their Ado-Ekiti pre-season base on Sunday afternoon when they took on a selected side from Ekiti FC at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium.
Winger Joseph Osadiaye scored in the second half to give Paul Aigbogun’s men a 1-0 victory.
Aigbogun he was who signed the left-sided winger for Enyimba from his former side Warri Wolves during his first missionary journey to Aba two years ago.
Earlier….
As reported here (https://www.aclsports.com/7165-2/ ), Kano Pillars recorded their second Gold Cup win in three years on Friday after star midfielder Rabiu Ali struck in the first half en route to a 1-0 win over defending champions Lobi Stars in the final in Ilorin.
