By Our Reporter
Technical Adviser of Enyimba International Football Club of Aba, Mr. Kadiri Ikhana has said he is relieved that his side has finally beaten neighours, Abia Warriors of Umuahia in the league for the first time.
Before the week 36 encounter at the Umuahia Township Stadium at the weekend, Abia Warriors remained the only side not to have fallen to the superior fire power of the six-time Nigerian Champions in the league and Ikhana said he was happy to have broken the jinx.
“Don’t forget it was a local derby, so it was not going to be easy. Last season, the Warriors beat us in our home at Aba, so beating them here has made it one-one”, he said.
Ikhana, who won the African Champions league with Enyimba in 2003 said the victory has further rekindled their resolve to approach their last home game of the season against their closest rivals, Warri Wolves with more determination, adding that with God on their side, they will lift their seventh league diadem.
On his own, Abia Warriors Technical Adviser, Isa Ladan Bosso said the oriental derby lived up to billing as victory could have gone either side.
“First and foremost, I must appreciate the effort of my boys in this game. Playing against Enyimba is never going to be easy anyday. In this match, I would say that the luckier side won the encounter, not the better side. All the same I say congratulations to Enyimba for their victory”, Bosso said, even as he commended the Abia State Government for according sports a top priority in its scheme of things.
