Edidiong Ezekiel's last minute penalty earns Akwa United a draw

In an intense encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Akwa United salvaged a point with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Abia Warriors, thanks to a last-minute penalty converted by Edidiong Ezekiel.

The match kicked off with Abia Warriors taking control early on. Within the first five minutes, Adejoh Ononugwa struck decisively, capitalizing on a lapse in Akwa United’s defense to put the visitors ahead. Ononugwa's goal was a precise finish, leaving Akwa United's goalkeeper with no chance.

Despite Akwa United’s efforts to regroup and break down Abia Warriors' defense, they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. The first half saw a series of close attempts from the home side, but they were either off-target or well defended by Abia Warriors.

As the second half progressed, Akwa United continued to press for an equalizer. Their persistence, however, was met with a resilient defensive display from the Warriors, who appeared to be holding on to their early lead with determination.

In a dramatic turn of events, the match took a contentious twist in the dying moments. In the 90th minute, a controversial penalty was awarded to Akwa United after a disputed decision by the referee. The decision incited considerable debate, but there was no doubt when Edidiong Ezekiel stepped up to take the spot-kick. Ezekiel remained calm under pressure and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, past a diving Abia Warriors goalkeeper.

The final whistle blew shortly after the penalty, sealing a 1-1 draw that left both teams with mixed feelings. Abia Warriors will feel aggrieved by the controversial decision, while Akwa United will be relieved to have salvaged a point in dramatic fashion.

This result leaves Akwa United with a hard-earned point at home, while Abia Warriors will rue missed opportunities to secure all three points. The match was a testament to the unpredictability and drama of football, showcasing both the highs and lows of the beautiful game.