Nigeria Premier Football League side Abia Warriors brightened their chances of playing on the continent next season with a comfortable 2-0 win over bottom-placed Lobi Stars at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Wednesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
In the match day 31 clash against the Pride of Benue, Imama Amapakabo’s side scored in either half through Sunday Megwo and Anthony Ijoma to move up to third on the log pending other results of the match day.
Fresh from beating Heartland in Owerri, Warriors knew another win at home would take them closer to the top three, and they set out to claim it with their early intentions during the game.
Despite the surface hindering the two sides from playing their best football, the home side eventually took the lead midway through the half. Paul Samson went past two Lobi Stars defenders before sending a sumptuous cross into the box for Megwo to head home.
Lobi Stars, rock-bottom of the NPFL table, battled to get something from the game, but they lacked the composure and synergy in the final third. With the game nearing its end, substitute Stanley Dimgba set up Anthony Ijoma for the second goal, and an icing on the cake as the Warriors sealed all three points.
Speaking after the match, Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo praised his team’s focus and resilience, urging them to remain relentless in the season’s final stretch.
“I told the players, we shouldn’t take them for granted, even if they don’t have anything to lose. Like I keep telling my players, run as fast as you possibly can, don’t look over your shoulders. Just keep focused, and let’s see where the remaining seven games take us. With this mentality, we are optimistic about the end of the season.”
With the win, Abia Warriors moved up to third – the final continental spot – with 50 points from 31 games. Meanwhile, Lobi Stars remain bottom with 23 points and they are without a win since December 2024.
Elsewhere, Kehinde Malik scored the only goal as Bayelsa United completed the double over Rivers United in Yenagoa. At the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, it finished goalless between Kano Pillars and Bendel Insurance. Similarly, it was the same outcome between Sunshine Stars and Heartland in Ijebu Ode, while Abayomi Lawal scored the winner to help Kwara United beat Nasarawa United 1-0 in Ilorin.
Thursday Fixtures
Remo Stars vs. Enyimba
Enugu Rangers vs. Plateau United
Akwa United vs. Niger Tornadoes
El-Kanemi Warriors vs. Shooting Stars
