El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri have emerged the stronger warriors in the battle of warriors between it and the Abia Warriors of Abia State.
The Maiduguri based team defeated Abia Warriors to emerge victorious in the median edition of the President Federation Cup final. El Kanemi defeated the Abia Warriors 2-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Surulere, Lagos on Saturday.
According to reports, the hero of the match, Salihu Nasiru of El Kanemi, bagged a brace to seal the cup for the Warriors from Maiduguri. Nasiru scored, a goal in each half, to secure the trophy for the Northerners.
The game started off on high note. In just within 10 minutes of play, the game witnessed stoppage due to a head collision between Daniel Wotlai and an El Kanemi player.
After the both players received medical attention, the match resumed with renewed vigor.
However, the more enterprising El Kanemi warriors forced the Abia Warriors’ goalkeeper, Ali Ishaku, to pull off a stunning save in the 15th minute. He actually denied Nasiru from the penalty spot.
In the 31st minute, Nasiru who had regained his confidence for his missed penalty kick redeemed himself. He expertly finished Sha Biyar’s cutback, sending a precise shot into the top corner that left Ishaku with no chance.
El Kanemi also continued to dominate the game with Nasiru missing a golden opportunity. He was left on a one-on-one goal against Ishaku in the 40th minute, but he fluttered the chance.
However, notwithstanding the dominance of the game by El Kanemi, the Abia team defence held firm. The first half, ended 1-0 in favour of El Kanemi.
The second half started from where the first left, with El Kanemi controlling the tempo of the game. In 68th minute, Nasiru doubled the lead in the Maiduguri said. He displayed an exceptional skill and determination with a simple tap-in from a Gimbal Ajiji cutback.
Abia Warriors desperately pushed for an equalizer, however, did not materialize as El Kanemi’s defence remained resolute.
The El Kanemi goalkeeper, George Abine made a crucial save in the 65th minute to deny Sunday Megwo’s attempt.
The Abia Warriors frantic effort at goal in the 84th minute sailed over the bar. As Risilanu Ismail’s header missed the mark.
The game, however, ended with El Kanemi Warriors celebrating their historic 2-0 victory.
Nasiru’s outstanding performance earned him a well-deserved Man of the Match award.
source: Premium Times
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