Abia Warriors secure historic continental tickets as NPFL drama unfolds

Photo Credit - Abia Warriors.

Abia Warriors placed their name in club history this weekend, securing their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup in a thrilling round of in match day 37 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) action with a stunning 2-1 comeback victory over Elkanemi Warriors.

Despite falling behind to Mukhtar Ismail's strike just before halftime, the "Umu Chineke Boys" displayed remarkable resilience. Adejoh Ojonugwa leveled the score in the 54th minute with a powerful shot, before Emmanuel Ogbuagu's towering 70th-minute header sparked jubilant scenes in Umuahia.

Elsewhere, newly promoted Ikorodu City experienced a harsh reality check against a dominant Remo Stars. After Tosin Oyedokun's early opener, Remo Stars responded emphatically with goals from Sikiru Alimi, Ibrahim Shuaibu, Babatunde Bello, and Olamilekan Adedayo, securing a decisive 4-1 victory. Kwara United also celebrated Premier League safety in style, dismantling Rivers United 3-1 in Ilorin, with Issa Gata opening the scoring and Wasiu Alalade bagging a brace.

Rangers International also showcased their firepower with a resounding 4-0 win over Katsina United, featuring a brace from Godwin Obaje. In a five-goal thriller in Lafia, Nasarawa United edged out Enyimba 3-2, with Idris Ajiya's late strike sealing the points.

Niger Tornadoes also delivered a significant blow to Sunshine Stars, securing a 2-1 away win that confirmed the Owena Waves' relegation.

Elsewhere, Kano Pillars proved too strong for Shooting Stars (3SC), ending the Oluyole Warriors’ continental dreams with a comprehensive 3-1 win. A brace from Ahmed Musa (50’, 85’) and a Naziru Auwalu Ibrahim penalty (62’) overpowered 3SC, whose only reply came via Alex Aghahowa in the 58th minute — a lone spark in what has turned into a disappointing end to a promising campaign.

Finally, the Promise Keepers, Akwa United, showed they still had something left in the tank, defeating Bayelsa United 2-0 with goals from Endurance Ebedebiri (22’ PEN) and Kabir Osoba (90+’).