Nigeria Leagues
NPFL: Imama Amapakabo indifferent about facing ex-club Rangers in Oriental derby
By Wale Mustapha
Abia Warriors Technical Adviser, Imama Amapakabo, is not losing sleep over his upcoming match against his former club, Enugu Rangers, in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.
Amapakabo will lead the ‘Umu Chineke’ boys in the Matchday Five encounter against the reigning champions, who will host the game at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu.
While the match has been billed as the star fixture of the week, Amapakabo, who guided Rangers to the 2016 NPFL title, is determined to focus on the job at hand and not on nostalgia. He stressed that history would be put aside as his main priority is to secure a positive result for Abia Warriors.
“It’s a job that has to be done,” Amapakabo said. “Fortunately, Rangers won their last game, so they’re riding high, but every game is different. We’ve worked hard, identified areas to improve, and we’re going to Enugu with a clear focus on taking the three points.”
Amapakabo, who previously managed Nigeria’s U23 national team, reiterated his commitment to recovering the points Abia Warriors lost early in the season, following a 0-2 defeat to Remo Stars in their opening match.
“I approach every game with the goal of victory in mind,” he added.
“Losing three points at home means we need to make up for it somewhere along the way. We’re not afraid of Rangers—respect, yes, but no fear. We’ll play our game and give fans an exciting spectacle.”
Amapakabo also expressed his intent to ensure that spectators enjoy watching Abia Warriors, saying, “Whenever anyone watches my team play, I want them to leave satisfied and eager to return.”
