Abia Warriors put up a resolute performance to end the 100 per cent run at home this term of FC Ifeanyiubah as they snatched a point after a 0-0 draw in Nnewi.
After a cagey opening 15 minutes, the fourth oriental derby of the season alive with series of enterprising display howbeit devoid of goals.
The homers that could be viewed as a United Nations team having several nationals in their fold were first off the block as they took control of the game mid way in the first half with amazing runs.
Okereke Maduabuchi missed a sitter in the six-yard box and thereafter he set up himself nicely after beating three opposing players but his fierce shot inside the box was wonderfully saved by Chinedu Anozie in goal for Abia Warriors.
Lively Ivorian import, Seka Pascal, made an amazing run as he danced his way into the box but his cute cut back was wasted as nobody was available in the box to connect it.
Abia Warriors defender Valentine Nwabili also tried his trademark pile driver from about 35 yards only missing narrowly. Former junior international Stanley 'Little Messi' Okoro also got in the groove late when he meandered his way down the left hand side but his cross only flashed past the goal post.
The second half was all about the bench as the two gaffers tried their best tactic to break the other down. FC Ifeanyiubah coach, Mitko Dobrev, brought on Mahamane Cisse, Alberico Da Silva and Nico Dao in order to force the issue.
Abia Warriors coach, Kennedy Boboye, brought on Bashir Sheriff and Anthony Okemmiri to change the attacking formation while bringing on old war horse Ogbonnaya Okemmiri to quell the late onslaught by their hosts.
FC Ifeanyiubah would, however, drop their first points at home and will be looking to pounce on struggling Akwa United at the Nest of Champions in the next game while Abia Warriors will entertain Giwa FC in Umuahia on Match Day 15 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Match details
FC Ifeanyiubah: Uche Okafor 12; Ikechukwu Mbaonu 23, Chibuzor Okonkwo 20, Cyril Edum 32, Wilson Elu 30, Ngoma Luamba 34, Jimoh Oni 19, Tamen Medrano 8 (61'), Seka Pascal 26 (76'), Okereke Maduabuchi 7, Williams Da Silva 15 (46')
Subs: Olaide Okanlanwon 22, Onyekachi Akakem 5, Henry Okebugwu 6, Alberico Da Silva 27 (61'), Nwosu Oluchukwu 10, Cisse Mahamane 33 (46'), Nico Dao 35 (76')
Abia Warriors: Chinedu Anozie 22; Effiong Ndifreke 21, Valentine Nwabili 3, Henry Ochuba 28 (84'), Kabiru Ayinde 26, Austin Obaroakpo 16, Stanley Okoro 8 (70'), Michael Olaha 9, Uche Ihuarulam 7, Kalu Nweke 32, Bolaji Sakin 11 (59')
Subs: John Gaadi 33; Chinedu Nwaeze 26, Chukwuemeka Nwabalogu 6, Ogbonnaya Okemmiri 14 (84'), Anthony Okemmiri 34 (59'), Sheriff Bashir 25 (70'), Emmanuel Enize 17
STATS
FC Ifeanyiubah 0-0 Abia Warriors
Fouls: 8-22
Shots: 8-5
On target: 3-2
Corners: 7-5
Yellow card: 3-2
Man of the match: Seka Pascal (FC Ifeanyiubah)
