Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia Comets Football Club of Umuahia, weekend, defeated the visiting Madiba FC by 1-0, in a Matchday 20 encounter of the 2023/24 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The Umuahia-based team, were two Sundays ago, held to a 1-1 draw by Edel FC, in a Matchday 19 clash.
At the weekend cash in Umuahia, Comets took an early lead inside five minutes, through a delightful header by Okere Daniel when he headed home a brilliant delivery from Ebuka Lazarus.
Comets were clearly the better side with more of the ball possession as they went into the half time break with a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, the host team continued to press on to double its lead, after Emeka Maduka went on a brilliant individual run to dazzle over a couple of Madiba defenders but his low strike went over the crossbar in the 75th minute.
In the 85th minute, substitute Jonah James had a clear chance to double the lead but failed to strike home a delightful through pass from Ebuka Lazarus.
The Comets defence line led by Benjamin ILuyomade, Uche Okoro and Chinedu Nwankpa were outstanding as they kept a clean sheet for the first time in four games, to secure the vital three points at home.
Akpan Mfreke, was named the man of the match after his brilliant performance, following the victory against Madiba FC.
With the victory, Comets have now gained 31 points from 20 games, to move to 5th position on the Southern Conference Group A log with two games left to play.
Comets will be on the road next weekend, when they travel to Ikenne to take on Beyond Limits, in a Matchday 21 encounter, at the Remo Stars Stadium, on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
