Uche Nwobodo emerged as the match hero as Ahudiyannem secured a dramatic 4–3 penalty shootout victory over Abia Warriors at the Enyimba Stadium on Thursday, booking their place in a second consecutive final of the Abia State Federation Cup.
The Abiriba-based side went into the encounter as clear underdogs against an Abia Warriors team currently sitting fourth in the Nigeria Professional Football League. As expected, Ahudiyannem spent large spells of the game under pressure but showed resilience to force the contest into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Abia Warriors faltered at crucial moments. Paul Samson fired his effort wide, while former Enyimba FC captain Somiari Alalibo had his penalty brilliantly saved by Nwobodo. Ahudiyannem capitalized on these misses, converting their final kick with composure to seal victory.
The win sends Ahudiyannem into their third consecutive State FA Cup final, where they will face either Enyimba FC or Abia Comets on Sunday, once again at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.
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