WHAT has come to be named AbiaClassico between state rivals, Abia Warriors of Umuahia and Enyimba International of Aba turned out a six-goal thriller and described by many as a good advertisement of the Globacom Premier League. 

  The game was one of the Match Day 24 fixtures that also saw Peter Ebimobowei scoring a hat trick in Benin for Bayelsa United in a 3-0 defeat of Kaduna United.   

  In other results, Cup holders and table toppers, Kano Pillars lost their second successive away tie in a 2-1 slump to Warri Wolves.

  Heartland defeated Gombe United 2-0,  

Akwa United beat El Kanemi 1-0, the same score line Rangers  recorded against Giwa FC, while Crown downed Sharks 2-0. 

  Lobi Stars were 1-0 better than Nasarawa United, while FC Taraba ended their tie with Nembe City 1-1. 

  Abia Warriors had on the second week of the season gone to Aba to stun the more fancied Enyimba International for the Aba side’s first home defeat in a long time and the reverse fixture thus had all the trappings of vengeance and a quest for respect.

  Skipper Chima Uluocha put Abia Warriors ahead from the penalty spot with just six minutes into the encounter after an Enyimba defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. But the former African Champions fought back and put their hosts on the back foot, forcing several corners and eventually winning their own penalty.

  Five minutes of sustained pressure saw Michael Ibeh Okoro handle the ball inside the box while trying to control and Mfon Udoh made sure from the spot and drawing the Peoples Elephant level.   

  The Warriors were not deterred as they fought back again and Ifeanyi Onyeali poked home a loose ball after Femi Thomas in Enyimba’s goal had fumbled the free kick badly.

  Free scoring wing back Uwadiegwu Ugwu waited another 13 minutes to respond on 30th minute with a smashing right shot from over 30 yards that nested at the left side of the Abia Warriors goal. 

  The first half ended 2-2 apiece and Enyimba thought they had it wrapped when unmarked Rashid Olabiyi let fly from inside the box amidst a sea of legs.   

  Then came the fairy tale ending executed by Chikatara Chisom, the former Kolanut seller that has never stopped scoring rescue goals for the Ochendo Boys. He had chased down a rebound with his chest and courageously struck out with the tip of his left foot to beat Thomas for an equalizer that was greeted with long standing ovation from the stands.

  In Akure, Dolphins battled to a scoreless game in a keenly contested against Sunshine Stars.

   Starting without three regulars, Victor Ezuruike, Emmanuel Olowo and Ifeanyi Egwim, Dolphins were off to a bright start as Emem Eduok got some space in the box but was pulled down by Jude Ehitongwa. Center referee waved play on.

   Ibrahim Ajani also presented Dele Olorundare with a great chance to score in the 21st minute with a sublime cross but Sunday Rotimi was well positioned to make a save.

   Dolphins soaked up most of the pressure coming from Sunshine Stars and went into the break scoreless.

   Three minutes into the second half, Prince Aggrey was brought down in the box and the referee wasted no time to call a penalty, which was well saved by Sunday Rotimi.

   Stanley Eguma brought in Bolaji Sarkin and Isiaka Olawale for Victor Alegbe and Tijani Adamu respectively in the 67th and 75th minutes.

   Emem Eduok had a chance to kill the game when he made one of his trademark runs on the left but was pulled down by Paul Onobi, the referee looking away once again.

   With five minutes of added time at the end of the game, Dolphins held on to record its first point in Akure since 2003.