The reputation of a two-time champion counted for little on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as Lagos Greenbacks pulled off a sensational 14–12 victory over Abia Warriors in Gameweek 5 of the Showtime Flag Football League Season XV at Showtime Arena, Meadow Hall, Lekki, Lagos.
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In a contest packed with interceptions, missed opportunities and determined defending, the Greenbacks refused to be intimidated by opponents who had previously conquered Showtime Bowl XII and XIII.
The result was particularly striking considering the Warriors’ impressive early-season form. They had demolished Delta Braves 54–13 in Gameweek 3, while the Greenbacks were still rebuilding momentum after a difficult start to the campaign.
But on Sunday, the script changed.
Abia Warriors quarterback Joseph Williams initially threatened to take control, connecting with Jumai A.O. for gains of 24 and 25 yards. However, Greenbacks defenders repeatedly frustrated the Warriors near the end zone.
Williams eventually broke the deadlock with a touchdown pass to Bello Remilekun, giving Abia Warriors a 6–0 advantage.
The Greenbacks’ response came through the partnership of quarterback Oluremi Jedidiah and receiver Obiekezie Chiamaka.
Jedidiah first found Chiamaka for a 21-yard gain before connecting with the same player for a 21-yard touchdown. The Greenbacks moved ahead 7–6 and carried that slender advantage into halftime.
The second half was another tense struggle as both sides fought for control. Abia Warriors continued to challenge, but the Greenbacks held on to complete a dramatic 14–12 victory.
Chiamaka’s influence earned the receiver the Match MVP award, with 42 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown and 18 passing yards. The performance produced a 7.7 rating and 3.9 fantasy points, the highest fantasy return of the match.
Remilekun led the Warriors’ fantasy contributions with 3.2 points, while Jedidiah recorded 3.0 for Greenbacks.
Defensive interventions were equally important. Balogun Faisat Olajumoke intercepted Williams, while Fatungase Jabar A. and Confidence Nzurumike produced interceptions for the Warriors in a match where neither attack enjoyed complete freedom.
The victory adds to a growing Greenbacks resurgence. Earlier in the season, they recorded a commanding 53–0 win over Rivers Alphas, demonstrating their ability to dominate. Against Abia Warriors, they showed something different: the composure to survive a close battle against championship-calibre opposition.
For the Warriors, who entered Season XV hoping to reclaim the title they lost to Lagos Knights last season, the defeat is a reminder that the competition’s established hierarchy is under serious pressure.
For Lagos Greenbacks, this was more than a two-point victory. It was a warning to every title contender that no opponent can be taken lightly.
