Abia Warriors and Rangers International played out a tense goalless draw in a rain-hit Nigeria Premier Football League Oriental derby at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.
Rangers started the brighter of the two sides and almost took an early lead inside three minutes when Abia Warriors captain Emmanuel Ogbuagu misplaced a pass, allowing Chidiebere Nwobodo deployed high and wide to surge forward and release Ikechukwu Mgbemena, whose effort drifted wide.
The Flying Antelopes dominated the opening stages, with Nwobodo a constant outlet on the flank, driving at defenders and forcing Abia Warriors onto the back foot as heavy rain swept across the stadium.
Rangers felt they should have been awarded a penalty midway through the first half when Godwin Obaje went down following a defensive mix-up, but referee appeals were waved away.
The hosts responded through quick transitions. Innocent Gabriel led a counter-attack before crossing for Paul Samson, whose attempt failed to trouble the Rangers defence. Samson later delivered a dangerous free kick that flashed across goal, with Obioma unable to apply the finishing touch.
Nwobodo continued to stretch the Warriors defence, switching play to Daniel Eni, whose cut-back found Emmanuel Essien, but the midfielder’s low effort lacked power.
Tempers rose late in the half when Nwobodo was brought down near the edge of the area. Rangers Technical Adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu was booked for protesting as the referee awarded only a corner.
Essien came closest before the break with a long-range strike that skimmed past the post.
The defining moment arrived early in the second half when Rangers defender Chidozie Iwundu was shown a straight red card for tripping Obioma as the striker broke clear. Obioma struck the resulting free kick into the side netting.
Reduced to ten men, Rangers reshuffled, introducing Ifeanyi Onyebuchi in defence while opting to play on the counter through the pace of Waheed Adebayo and Daniel Eni.
Abia Warriors pressed for a winner, with Suraj Lawal heading over from a set-piece and Chinedu’s looping cross narrowly evading Jimoh in the box.
Rangers nearly stole the points late on when Adebayo broke through on goal, but Abia Warriors centre-back Somairi read the danger superbly, stepping out calmly to intercept.
Deep into stoppage time, the home side thought they had finally found a breakthrough when Obioma turned the ball home from close range, but celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside.
After five minutes of added time, both sides had to settle for a point.
Rangers drop to fourth on the NPFL table with 40 points, while Abia Warriors move up to fifth on 39. Rangers host Wikki Tourists next, with Abia Warriors travelling to face Remo Stars in Ibadan.
