Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia boosted their hopes of continental qualification with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Niger Tornadoes in a Matchday 36 clash of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
After a cagey first half, the hosts took the lead five minutes into the second period when Mohammed Hussaini’s free kick found the back of the net. The goal shifted momentum briefly, but Abia Warriors responded with renewed intensity.
Sunday Megwo, a CHAN Eagles invitee, thought he had equalized in the 77th minute, only for his effort to be controversially ruled out for offside—sparking protests from the visitors’ bench.
The equalizer eventually came in the dying moments of stoppage time. A failed clearance by Hussaini inside his own box led to confusion, and Tornadoes goalkeeper Emmanuel Iwu inadvertently punched the ball into his own net under pressure.
Head coach Imama Amapakabo had made tactical adjustments, handing David Emmanuel his first start of the season and bringing in Samuel Atavti. With his side trailing, Amapakabo introduced fresh legs including Ayodele Ezekiel and Maxwell Kangeshima to bolster the attack—a move that paid off with the late equalizer.
The result leaves Abia Warriors firmly in the hunt for a continental ticket as they prepare to host El-Kanemi Warriors in their next fixture.
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