Akwa Starlets Share Spoils In Feisty Encounter

Abia Warriors were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Akwa Starlets in what turned out to be a feisty MatchDay 7 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday.

Following a barren opening half, Jimoh Oni gave the hosts the lead five minutes into the second half, but an enterprising Obo Eso Archibong scored the equalizer for the visitors, who had come to Umuahia in search of at least a point to make up for their heartbreaking defeat, midweek at home to Kano Pillars.

Although two points separated both sides coming into this encounter, with third-placed Akwa Starlets sitting three places above Abia Warriors in the league table, they had one thing in common; one defeat apiece.

Starlets, who are experiencing their maiden season in the top flight, had enjoyed a fairy tale run until they met with a rude awakening only a few days ago at the hands of Kano Pillars – losing 1-2 on home soil in a rescheduled match.

Coach of the Uyo-based side Caleb Esu made four changes to the starting eleven that lost in midweek. Adewale Mathias, Ukeme Umoh, Ojukwu Ifeagwu and Aniekan Ekpe were sent to the substitutes bench, while Archibong, Arinze Obuka, and Alalibo Somiari all got the nod to start, alongside Peter Etukhube, who was not in the last matchday squad.