Abia Warriors dodge One Rocket in shootouts to win 2023 Tico/Select preseason tourney

By Wale Mustapha

Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL side defeated their counterpart from the National League, FC One Rocket to emerge champions of this year’s Tico/Select Preseason Football Tournament held in Umuahia, Abia State.

The boys of Coach Erasmus Onuh survived what would be an upset against FC One Rocket haven led twice in the match before surrendering the lead for the final to be decided through penalties.

The match ended 2-2 at the regulation time as Sunday Megwo and Paul Samson had their efforts canceled out by Paul Avre and Daniel Daga.

It was tension soaked penalties with both sides trying their lucks on 11 occasion but it was Abia Warriors who won with 8-7 through the shootouts to go home with the beautiful trophy.

Coach Erasmus Onuh who was unmoved with winning the trophy said the competition has helped to assess his side’s readiness for the new NPFL season.