Makinwa Targets Back-To-Back Oriental Derby Win As Abia Warriors Host Heartland

Abia Warriors coach, Henry Makinwa, says he would be delighted to see his team claim the maximum points in today”s (Wednesday) NPFL matchday-7 Oriental Derby against neighbours, Heartland, Completesports.com reports.

Makinwa claimed his first Oriental Derby win with Sunday’s 2-1 triumph at FC Ifeanyi Ubah, which turned out to be his first win in the 2018/2019 NPFL abridged season since joining the side.

It was Abia Warriors’ second victory over FC Ifeanyi Ubah in eight games. The other six games ended in draws, leaving the Nnewi side with no victory over the Warriors since 2015.

“It feels good to win an important game especially on away ground,” the former ABS Ilorin coach and ex-Nigeria junior international said after plucking his first victory of the season at FC Ifeanyiubah.

“FC Ifeanyiubah were unbeaten, home and away, until now. And of course, I’m happy given the rivalry of the teams which is tagged Oriental Derbies.

“This is the first time I’m involved (in Oriental Derby) and I’m happy to come out of it the winner.

“That belongs to the past now. We look forward to the next game which is another Oriental Derby.

“Two Oriental Derbies in succession. We hope to ride on the positives of the last game to achieve victory on Wednesday (against Heartland).

” lOf course, it won’t be easy. It isn’t gonna be a stroll in the park.

“Heartland are top on the Group B log and that shows a measure of their strength.
“We respect them and can only hope to work hard for a win especially now the (players’) confidence is on the rise,” Makinwa stressed.

Abia Warriors Support striker, Mac Daniel, will not be available for Makinwa’s selection in this thriller at Umuahia Township Stadium.

Mac Daniel, who joined up from Abia Comets, a second tier league team also based in Umuahia, prior to the start of the season, picked an arm injury in the Warriors’ win at FC Ifeanyi Ubah on Sunday.