Abia Comets FC of Umuahia began her 2024/25 Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign on a high note, securing an impressive 2-1 comeback victory over Edel FC in a Southern Conference A Matchday 1 clash at the Awka Township Stadium, Anambra State, on Sunday.
The hosts struck first, with Tuoyo Pippah putting Edel FC ahead in the 11th minute. However, Abia Comets turned the game around in the second half with a determined performance.
Chinaza Miracle equalized in the 60th minute, showcasing brilliant individual skill to beat two Edel defenders before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper, courtesy of an assist from Okechukwu Chukwu.
Second-half substitute Emeka Maduka then sealed the win with a stunning close-range finish in the 75th minute, set up by a precise assist from Ikenna Ogbonna. His goal is already being hailed as one of the best of the round.
After the final whistle, head coach Okechukwu Ejeh praised his team’s resilience.
“I’m happy with the performance of the team. It was a difficult game, but also a well deserved three points because of how we played, especially in the second half, ” Ejeh said.
“We started slowly in the first 10 to 15 minutes, but after we went behind, we brought in fresh legs and took control in the second half. We’ll keep working hard to improve as a team in the upcoming games.”
Abia Comets will aim to build on this momentum when they host Lagos-based 1472 FC in a Matchday 2 fixture on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Umuahia Township Stadium.