Match Report: Kwara United edges Abia Warriors 1-0 to get league campaign on track
ILORIN (Made In Africa Sport) – Kwara United finally got their league season campaign off to a winning start on Sunday, 8 October 2023 after defeating Abia Warriors by a lone goal at Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.
Ejeh Isaiah scored the only goal of the game in the 44th minute, putting the home team ahead in a tense match where they were under a lot of pressure.
It was a game that made headlines for off the field incidents involving the away side as the Pride of Abia were involved in a motor accident on their way to Ilorin.
How it happened
The first half was dominated by the home side as Abia Warriors looked heavy and clearly fatigued which probably contributed to the injury sustained by Uche Moses who was replaced by Adejoh Ojonugwa.
The Warriors had their goalkeeper Johnson Nmecha to thank, for denying Kwara United’s Samuel Ayorinde twice from a one-on-one situation.
But there was nothing the Abia Warriors’ keeper could do at the dot of 45 minutes when his defenders failed to deal with Balogun Kabir’s cross as the ball fell kindly for Isaiah Ejeh to score from inside the vital area.
A double substitution for the Warriors saw Jimoh Gbadamosi and Dehinde Ibrahim come on for Nonso Nzediegwu and Jerry Ogu. It was followed by the introduction of Samson Obi and Daniel Wotlai for Collins Nwoburuoke and Chidera Olisaegbo.
The changes had an instant impact for the Warriors as they dominated play and took the game to their hosts; it was the home sides turn to absorb pressure and they were restricted to occasional counter attacks.
It was better from the Warriors and they were unlucky not to be level when Dehinde Ibrahim’s 30 yards freekick came off the cross bar to the relief of the home side.
Statistics
FULL-TIME!!!
Kwara United 1-0 Abia Warriors
Ejeh Isaiah orchestrates the Harmony Boys' first goal of the season, securing their maiden victory in style as the Ochendo Babes departs Kwara empty-handed with their quest for points falling short.#NPFLWithMIAS #NPFL24 pic.twitter.com/TCM5PW9jMS
— Made In Africa Sport (@madeinafricaweb) October 8, 2023
Reactions
Abia Warriors coach Erasmus Onuh blamed his team’s loss on a lack of concentration and fatigue, after a two-day journey from Abia due to bad roads.
“Bad roads will kill our league. I think it’s time we have an arrangement with airlines,” Amapakabo said.
He praised Kwara United coach Kabir Dogo for building a strong team from scratch.
“Coach Kabir Dogo has really done so well for the his team considering that he built the team for scratch this season.”
Dogo admitted that his team was under pressure, but credited his players for their resilience.
What’s next
Up next for Abia Warriors is a clash against former NPFL champions Kano Pillars at the Umuahia Township Stadium as Kwara United travel to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium to face Rivers United.
Matchday two results
2023/2024 NPFL MATCHDAY TWO:
◉ 10 games
◉ 18 goals
◉ 0 away win
◉ 9 clean sheets#NPFLWithMIAS #NPFL24 pic.twitter.com/dEUa6ZqYJp— Made In Africa Sport (@madeinafricaweb) October 8, 2023
