Abia Warriors 0-1 Enyimba: Mbaoma’s early goal settles Abia derby

Victor Mbaoma netted the winner as Enyimba got past Abia Warriors in a rain-interrupted fixture in Okigwe.

The in-form forward netted his fifth in the last seven games to return the People’s Elephant to course following a disappointing draw against Nasarawa United at the weekend.

Warriors looked ambitious from the offset and saw early chances fall their way. Arit Utibe missed his header from close range before firing wide from inside the box after a piercing run from Daniel Wotlai.

It was Enyimba that found the net, however, Victor Mbaoma rifling into the bottom left when Austin Oladapo’s ball was miscued by the Warriors defence.

The game was interrupted in the 25th minute after a a downpour resulted in a flooded pitch and was resumed Thursday morning.

Warriors raised the tempo upon resumption, stationing Arit and Godwin Obaje in front of the Enyimba box. The former fluffed two chances, blasting over from range on both occasions, before John Noble performed brilliantly to stop Samuel Christian’s low drive.

Enyimba also had opportunities of their own, Victor Mbaoma getting denied by Vincent Edafe while Anayo Iwuala saw his shot blocked after being set free by a pass from deep.

Daniel Darkwah cleared Christian’s header off the line before substitute Timothy Danladi blocked a shot as the hosts poured numbers forward at the death.

The win, Enyimba’s fifth on the road this term, moves Fatai Osho’s men within five points of leaders Akwa United, although having played one less.