Abia government steps in as Enyimba and Abia Warriors struggle in NPFL

The Abia State Government has begun efforts to address the difficult start made by Enyimba International FC of Aba and Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia in the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The intervention comes with both clubs near the bottom of the league table. Enyimba are 18th, while Abia Warriors occupy 19th position after a series of disappointing results.

Enyimba have taken 11 points from 12 matches, with two wins, five draws and seven defeats. Abia Warriors have also collected 11 points, from three wins, five draws and five defeats.

Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, held separate meetings with the management and technical teams of the two clubs to examine the problems behind their poor performances.

Ananaba was accompanied by Raymond Ukwa, Governor Alex Otti’s Special Adviser on Sports. They first met the board and technical crew of Enyimba before holding discussions with the management of Abia Warriors.

The meetings were aimed at allowing officials and coaching staff to set out the difficulties affecting the clubs and suggest practical measures to improve their results.

Ananaba called for shared responsibility and greater commitment from everyone involved, saying a collective effort would be required to return both teams to winning form.

He also recognised Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s continued backing for sports development in Abia State. The commissioner urged the boards of both clubs to give serious consideration to the issues raised during the meetings and ensure that agreed solutions were put into action.

The government move follows a concerning opening period for two clubs that represent Abia in the NPFL. Their identical points totals, combined with their positions in the lower reaches of the table, have increased the pressure on the clubs to respond.

Abia Warriors head coach Emmanuel Deutsch and members of the club’s board thanked the governor for his ongoing support.

They also assured the state government that both Abia clubs would overcome their current difficulties and return to better form.

The development was reported by BSNSports.com.ng.