Abia Warriors Football Club (Umahia) today defeated hard fighting Heartland FC (owerri) 1-0 in an “oriental derby” in Matchday 6 of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at the Okigiwe Township Stadium.

Abia Warriors FC, who have scored 5 goals, with two draws and two loses against Aba giants, Enyimba international and MFM FC are placed 17th on the NPFL table, came into the game with so much composure and determination in securing maximum points.

While the management of Heartland FC within the week quickly responded to the protest by the players over several months of unpaid salaries and welfare packages, are hopefully and confidence the players would put up a brilliant performance in the encounter.

Innocent Gabriel put the homeside in front as he reacted swiftly from a defensive blunder by Heartland FC goalkeeper, Godwin Paul to put the ball at the back of the net in the 9th minute.The Umuahia based side held on to the slim advantage until the end of the first 45 mins.

The second half sprang into life almost immediately as both teams created chances but were not clinical in front of goal. As the game stretches on towards towards the final quarter, it was the Naze millionaires that were asking all the questuons but the defence line of Abia Warriors remained firm and resolute shielding off any attack from Heartland.

However, Striker Godwin Obaje of Abia Warriors was given the marching order for reckless tackle on Heartland player, Okoro Ebuka in the 90+mins.

Speaking with newsmen In a post match analysis, Technical Adviser, Abia Warriors FC, Imama Amakpakabo hinted that oriental derbies in any league of the world it’s always difficult games, adding he was satisfied with the outcome of the game.

Reacting the overall performance of his side, Coach of Heartland FC, Hassan Abdallah is satisfied with the reaction by his team especially after conciding early in the game, but promised that they would continue to work on their tactics and techniques.