There is no shift at the top of the Glo Premier League standings after Match Day 16 as the top three teams Sunshine Stars, Enyimba International FC and Wikki Tourists shared the spoils, but the high point of the weekend fixtures involved two fierce neighbours from Abia
The much-talked-about Abia Derby took another dimension on Sunday, yet six-time winners, Enyimba, are yet to secure their first competitive victory over their not-so-distant rivals from Umuahia, Abia Warriors.
Michael Olaha’s composed finish in the closing minutes rescued a valuable point for mid-table Warriors at the Enyimba International stadium; nonetheless, the Peoples Elephants could, at least, keep a nine-game unbeaten run, while the visitors maintain a bragging right.
Coach Khadiri Ikhana would have been delighted to record another success against Warriors after Daniel Etor put his team ahead on 50 minutes following Christian Obiozor’s equaliser of Ndifreke Effiong’s opener, but a ninth victory was never meant to be.
Enyimba have now failed to beat Abia Warriors in four meetings since they gained promotion to the Nigerian top flight last season, barring their penalty victory in the state final of the Federation Cup earlier this season.
Obiozor’s strike was his fourth in five matches and the big-match specialist almost claimed the day for the host, but his effort on the stroke of full time was ruled for an offside.
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‪Glo NPFL Match Day 16 Results
Enyimba 2-2 Abia Warriors
Bayelsa United 2-0 Warri Wolves
Giwa FC 2-1 Heartland
Kano Pillars 1-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Akwa United 2-0 Rangers
FC Ifeanyiubah 1-0 Shooting Stars
Dolphins 1-1 Wikki Tourists
Sharks 0-0 Nasarawa United
Lobi Stars 1-1 Sunshine Stars
FC Taraba 0-0 Kwara United
