10-MEN RANGERS HOLD ABIA WARRIORS TO A GOALLESS DRAW IN SOUTH-EASTERN DERBY

The South-Eastern derby between Abia Warriors and Rangers International FC at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba lived up to its billing, producing moments of fireworks and leaving fans and neutrals with plenty of talking points.

The South-Eastern derby between Abia Warriors and Rangers International FC at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba lived up to its billing, producing moments of fireworks and leaving fans and neutrals with plenty of talking points. At some point in the encounter, the pregnant clouds gave way to a torrential downpour, adding to the drama of an already intense contest. The opening 10 minutes were played at a frenetic pace, with both sides eager to impose themselves and dominate the midfield. The first clear chance fell to the hosts in the 15th minute when a well-calculated free-kick delivery found Suraj Lawal, but the defender failed to make contact with the ball. Rangers were left aggrieved in the 20th minute when Godwin Obaje, who was clean through on goal, appeared to be tripped by goalkeeper Ali Ishaku. The referee, however, waved away appeals for a penalty. Abia Warriors responded in the 24th minute when Paul Samson struck a free kick from the edge of the box, but Suraj Lawal’s header drifted wide. The Flying Antelopes came close to opening the scoring in the 28th minute as captain Chidiebere Nwobodo surged past his markers and delivered a dangerous cross to the edge of the area. Oputa Chibueze laid the ball off for Emmanuel Essien, whose effort was calmly gathered by the goalkeeper. Rangers suffered another penalty call denied in the 34th minute after Nwobodo was clearly held by Casmir Azubuike inside the box, but the referee awarded only a corner kick. Essien later tried his luck from distance with a powerful strike that flew inches wide of the target. SECOND HALF: INCREDIBLE MOMENTS Rangers began the second half with renewed intent, showing greater agility and attacking threat. They came close in the 48th minute when Oputa Chibueze’s close-range effort was brilliantly saved by the Abia Warriors goalkeeper. The turning point of the game arrived in the 50th minute when Rangers were reduced to ten men. Chidozie Iwundu was shown a straight red card for bringing down Chukwuemeka Obioma, who was through on goal. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Flying Antelopes continued to create goal-scoring opportunities but failed to make them count. Abia Warriors pressed hard and came close when a dangerous cross was flashed into the box, only for Oputa Chibueze to come to Rangers’ rescue with a timely clearance. Late drama ensued in the 95th minute when the hosts thought they had snatched a winner. Chindi Merpring set up Obioma Chukwuemeka, who fired past Lucky Jimoh, but celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out for offside. AS IT STANDS Abia Warriors: 5th on the table with 39 points Rangers International FC: 4th with 40 points UP NEXT Abia Warriors will travel to face relegation-threatened Remo Stars, while Rangers will return home to host Wikki Tourists on Sunday