NWFL: Abia Angels Halt Nasarawa Amazons Unbeaten Run
In what was a feisty encounter at the Umuahia Township Stadium, host Abia Angels defeated Nigeria Women Premier League Champions, Nasarawa Amazons by 1-0
Abia Angels who got a draw from Pelican Stars game in Calabar last week Wednesday, started on a good note piling pressure on the Defending Champions, this paid off as they got a penalty after Amazons Goalkeeper Ujunwa Boniface miscued the ball and brought down striker Nwamaka Nnaneme as she was about to score, it resulted to a penalty which was cooly converted by Blessing Echeipu to record her first goal of the season in the 22nd minute to the joy of the home crowd.
Nine minutes later, Nasarawa Amazons Midfielder Christy Ucheibe bicycle kicked Abia Angels Favour Emmanuel on the head and was given the Marching orders thereby reducing the Defending Champions to 10 players.
The home team could have increased their scoreline in the 36th minute but Chinenye Emenike missed a golden opportunity.
In the second half of the encounter , Nasarawa Amazons not wanting to lose the game tried to equalise but Defenders Ugochi Okadike, Amarachi Dike and Franca Omobare were on ground to make sure the score line stayed that way.
The Angels from the East also got their chance when Mary Opara almost scored through a free kick.
After the match, A delighted Abia Angels Coach, Ann Chiejine said amassing the maximum points and not conceding also was a good result
''We have really worked hard to get this result, as you know we played against the Defending Champions who have National team players from the Falconets and the Super Falcons who came from camp and so it wasn't going to be an easy game. I am quite impressed with today's performance from my team''.
Assistant Coach of Nasarawa Amazons Michael Oluwaseyi Olawuyi said the penalty was deserved but the red card given to Christy Ucheibe was harsh, however he is optimistic his team will bounce back from the loss.
With this Victory, Abia Angels are still third in Group B with 10 points while Nasarawa Amazons with 11 points relinquished their top position to Sunshine Queens who got a vital away win against Adamawa Queens at the Atiku Abubakar Stadium, Fufore.
Up next for Abia Angels is a home fixture against FC Robo Queens of Lagos on Wednesday May 23rd 2018.
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