When the first-ever meeting between Enyimba and Abia Warriors in the Abia Derby, or Abia Classico, whichever you choose to call it took place more than a decade ago, one would think that the Umuahia club were going to give the People’s Elephant a run for the bragging rights to the city after winning via that Cletus Itodo eye-catching goal that often pops up in my mind’s eyes whenever there is talk of this derby.
In fact, Abia Warriors went on to actually dominate the first four meetings of this derby before the People’s Elephant ended that dominance. Here’s my pick past meetings between the Enyimba and their little brother:
August 17, 2014: Abia Warriors 3-3 Enyimba
This was a humdinger of a match. It was contest that ebbed and flowed from start to finish. Warriors went in front just eight minutes into the contest through Chima Uluocha who converted from the spot. Eight minutes later, the People’s Elephant got their own spot kick and Mfon Udoh made no error from 12 yards. Midway into the first half, Ifeanyi Onyeali fired Abia Warriors back ahead before Uwadiegwu Ugwu netted the equalizer 10 minutes before the break. The first half ended 2-2. It was Enyimba that began the second 45 minutes stronger. Rasheed Olabiyi scored Enyimba’s third on 67 minutes before Chisom Chikatara drew Abia Warriors level at the death.
July 5, 2015: Enyimba 2-2 Abia Warriors
This was another classic encounter Abia Derby. Four goals were scored – two in each half. The People’s Elephant dropped points from a winning position in this game. Ndifreke Effiong opened scoring for Abia Warriors 27 minutes into the match before Christian Obiozor levelled right on the stroke of halftime. Five minutes into the second half, Enyimba took the lead through Daniel Etor. The People’s Elephant held on to the lead until 10 minutes to the end of the match when Michael Olaha.
November 1, 2015: Abia Warriors 0-1 Enyimba
This match was a tight affair at the Umuahia Township Stadium. The People’s Elephant were inching closer to their seventh league title. It was a Matchday 36 fixture, and Enyimba knew a win will take them closer to their seventh title. Enyimba captain, Chinedu Udoji failed to convert a spot kick earlier in the game. Mfon Udoh came off the bench to score a brilliant individual goal that turned out to be the winner. After this win, Enyimba were one point from away from sealing their seventh title.
February 17, 2020: Abia Warriors 1-4 Enyimba
This game took place at the Okigwe Stadium which Abia Warriors adopted as their home ground. It was a match Stanley Dimgba made himself unplayable to Abia Warriors. Isaac Emeka failed to put Warriors in front having missed from the spot after 15 minutes. Just before the break, Enyimba raced into a two-goal lead. Dimgba opened scoring after combining well with Cyril Olisema on 41 minutes and three minutes later, Anayo Iwuala skipped past three Warriors defenders effortlessly before laying on a plate for Victor Mbaoma to fire home. Two quick goals in the second half from Iwuala and Dimgba made sure Enyimba were 4-0 up just after the hour mark. Abia Warriors managed to score one through Yakub Hammed to leave the score 1-4 at full-time
May 26, 2024: Abia Warriors 0-1 Enyimba
Early this year, Enyimba were made to work for the full points by their neighbours. Enyimba had to wait till the 72nd to edge past Abia Warriors. It was Bernard Ovoke’s goal that sealed the winner for Enyimba.
This will be the 17th head-to-head meeting with Abia Warriors in the NPFL. The People’s Elephant have been dominant winning 11 of those matches (W11 D3 L3). I expect Enyimba to keep that impressive run against their city rivals going when this Sunday.
