NPFL WK34 Preview: Fire Cracker in Okigwe as Abia Warriors Tackles Heartland

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 NPFL WK34 Preview: Fire Cracker in Okigwe as Abia Warriors Tackles Heartland



NPFL WK34 Preview: Fire Cracker in Okigwe as Abia Warriors Tackles Heartland

The ancient city of Okigwe comes alive on Wednesday 21st July 2021 for a juicy Oriental derby involving Abia Warriors and Heartland FC of Owerri. The Umuahia landlords have a history of tormenting the Naze Millionaires since they arrived in the elite division from the NNL.


Coaches


Today's game offers an interesting tactical battle between two young tacticians who understand their craft. Both have served at the National U-23 team.


 While Imama has lifted Nigeria's Holy grail (league title)with Rangers international, Ilechukwu punched above his weight with MFM as they finished 2nd thus getting a Champions League slot. This season Imama and Ilechukwu's teams have gone through some rough patches. 


The neutrals will surely enjoy an absorbing spectacle as both gaffers will try to cancel out each other.


Abia Warriors have scored 37 goals so far this season while Heartland despite conceding the most has scored 39 goals.


Head to Head


Abia Warriors enjoy a superior record as regards this fixture.

In eleven meetings Heartland has only won once while Abia Warriors have won 6 times against their more illustrious opponents. 


Abia Warriors have also defeated Heartland thrice away from home while enjoying the same number of victories at their fortress in Umuahia.


Heartland's only win came last year on the 12th of January 2020 at the Okigwe Township Stadium where an Abiodun Thompson's strike was enough to break the jinx. 

 Ironically, Obioma Chukwuemeka who assisted Thompson for the jinx breaking goal last year is now with Imama and Abia Warriors. The graduate of Architecture from Abia State University has scored 7 goals for Abia Warriors this season, one more than he got for Heartland the last term.


Emeka  Atuloma for Heartland started at OUK United in Umuahia which metamorphosed into the present  Abia Warriors and will be pivotal to Heartland's challenge tomorrow.


Players to Watch:


Sampson Paul is a delight to watch, his trickery on the flanks and his ability to drive through pockets of spaces makes him a dangerous customer.


Godwin Obaje is another man to watch out for. His imposing physique and presence will surely keep Heartland defenders pretty busy at the rear.


Emeka Atuloma 

The Umuahia born midfielder led Heartland's fight back during the first leg and is expected to be Heartland's metronome dictating things in the middle of the park.


Kingsley Maduro:

The speed demon with 5 goals is a nightmare to opposing defenders. On his day, he can wreck a lot of havoc with his blistering pace, cutting through defenders like a knife through butter. 


Basking in the euphoria of the good gesture of the Governor of IMO State, the  Naze millionaires are hungry to get their pound of flesh against troublesome Abia Warriors.

When two elephants fight, the grass will surely feel the heat.

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