By Sab Osuji
The maiden edition of the Gov Okezie Ikpeazu preseason tournament will come to a fitting close on Saturday in Aba with Enyimba taking on Abia Warriors in what has become famously tagged as ‘Abia Classico’, Orient Sports reports.
On Friday, substitute Cyril Olisema’s 69th minute strike sent the People’s Elephant to the final at the expense of fellow NPFL side, Plateau United in the first semi final fixture.
In the second semi final tie, Abia Warriors saw off rookies, A&A FC, Uyo to set up an all NPFL clubs final.
Paul Samson opened scoring for the Warriors 10 minutes after kick off.
Samson Christian made it 2-0 just before the break but Nnamdi Anthony halved the deficit for the academy team on the hour mark.
But Lukman Bello restored Warriors two goal advantage with a quarter of an hour still remaining.
Perhaps, the Gov Ikpeazu Preseason Tournament final would heal the emotional wounds occasioned by the ugly incident that overshadowed the two teams clash in the 2019/2020 season.
Enyimba won all their five games so far going into the final and would use the game as dress rehearsal going into next weekend’s CAF Champions League tie away to Rahimo of Burkina Faso.
Abia Warriors were very active in the transfer market, bolstering their squad with experienced players.
This has reflected in their games with Coach Imama Amapakabo’s 4-3-3 approach a delight to watch each time the Warriors are on the ascendancy.
No doubt, it would be a thriller of a clash and good advertisement for the good intention of Governor Okezie in floating the tournament.
