Abia Warriors head to Awka Township Stadium this weekend with a monkey on their back — and a bit of history to chase.
The Umuahia-based side have not won away to Oriental rivals Enugu Rangers since January 15, 2023, when they stunned the Flying Antelopes 2-0 in Enugu.
Since that famous afternoon, there away ties with Rangers have not been a pleasant experience.
In three years, after four games Abia Warriors have suffered three defeats and managed just one draw away to Rangers who have continued to maintain their impressive hime form against their eastern rivals.
This is not the Abia Warriors of last season, they have been one of the best transition sides in the NPFL — quick on the break, dangerous late in halves.
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But the numbers still favour Rangers, as they have won their last three home meetings against Warriors, scoring six and conceding just two. At home this season they average 0.7 goals conceded per game.
Abia Warriors know what is at stake. A win away to Rangers would not just be three points — it would be their first league win away to their biggest rivals in three years, and a massive statement in the race for continental places.
Going into Sunday’s derby, Abia Warriors recorded a comfortable 3-0 home win against Bendel Insurance, while Rangers pipped Warri Wolves 1-0 away.
By James Agberebi
