Abia Warriors continued their spectacular run of type within the Nigeria Skilled Soccer League with a hard-earned 1–0 away victory over Plateau United, securing a significant three factors and strengthening their push on the prime finish of the desk.
The guests confirmed early intent in a tightly contested encounter, whereas Plateau United seemed to make use of dwelling benefit to dictate the tempo.
One of many recreation’s key moments within the first half got here within the thirty first minute, when Plateau United’s Gideon beat two defenders earlier than happening contained in the penalty space. Regardless of robust appeals from the house aspect, the referee waved play on, a lot to the frustration of the gang.
Each groups went into the break degree, however the depth elevated after the restart as Abia Warriors started to say better management in midfield.
Their persistence was rewarded within the 68th minute when Taheer Abubakar produced a second of high quality to interrupt the impasse. The ahead skipped previous his marker earlier than delicately chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper, handing Abia Warriors a deserved lead.
With the benefit secured, Abia Warriors shifted focus to recreation administration and defensive solidity. Plateau United pushed ahead searching for an equaliser, however the guests remained disciplined on the again, limiting clear-cut probabilities.
Within the eighty fifth minute, Abia Warriors head coach made a collection of tactical substitutions to guard the lead, introducing Paul Samson, Fatai Abdullahi, Harmless Godwin, Emmanuel Ogbuagu, and Ogunjimi Samuel rather than Fred David, Harmless Gabriel, Taheer Abubakar, and Asiegbu Shedrack. The adjustments helped preserve construction and composure because the match entered its closing phases.
At full time, Abia Warriors celebrated a large away victory, finishing three consecutive wins regardless of making two journeys of their final three matches — a testomony to their consistency and rising confidence.
The outcome sees Abia Warriors rise to second place on the NPFL desk after 19 matches, amassing 33 factors. They now sit 4 factors behind league leaders Rivers United, whereas sustaining a slim one-point benefit over Ikorodu Metropolis and Nasarawa United, who occupy third and fourth positions respectively.
Because the title race intensifies, Abia Warriors’ resilience on the street continues to underline their credentials as real contenders within the 2024/25 NPFL season
