Abia Warriors reinstate Amapakabo as head coach after suspension

Abia Warriors have restored Imama Kweku Amapakabo to his position as head coach, just weeks after suspending him in the wake of a damaging home defeat in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The Umuahia-based club confirmed that Amapakabo has already resumed duties and is leading preparations for the 2026/2027 NPFL season, signalling a move towards stability and continuity after a turbulent end to the last campaign.

Suspension follows shock home defeat

Amapakabo, a former Nigeria junior international and one-time Super Eagles assistant coach, was asked to step aside by Abia Warriors’ management following a 2-0 home loss to struggling Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri.

The defeat came during Matchday 37 of the 2025/2026 NPFL season in an Oriental Derby, and triggered an immediate response from the club’s hierarchy, who temporarily removed him from his role.

At the time, the club turned to former Nigeria goalkeeper trainer Ike Shorunmu on an interim basis, while assistant coach Emmanuel Orji was also sanctioned as part of the shake-up.

‘Imama has resumed duties’

Speaking on Wednesday morning, Abia Warriors’ Executive Chairman, John Obuh, confirmed that the 55-year-old coach is back at the helm and fully involved in shaping the team for the new campaign.

“Imama (Amapakabo) has resumed duties,” Obuh said when asked about the coach’s status ahead of the 2026/2027 season.

“He returned to his duty post weeks ago. Right now, he’s preparing the club for the 2026/2027 season. We’re a club driven by the spirit of continuity.

“Yes, there are bound to be disagreements, even in a family. Such issues are always resolved so the family can move forward.

“Right now, our preoccupation is the coming season and we believe that with continuity, team spirit and by correcting the mistakes of last season, we can make a good impact.”

Focus on continuity and correction

Obuh, a former Golden Eaglets coach, stressed that the club is betting on stability rather than sweeping changes after the disappointing end to last season.

With Amapakabo’s reinstatement, the management believes that building on existing structures, while learning from past errors, offers the best route to improvement in the forthcoming NPFL campaign.

The club’s leadership is understood to have held internal discussions aimed at resolving differences and aligning on expectations for the new season, clearing the path for Amapakabo’s return.

Pre-season plans in the hands of technical crew

Obuh added that responsibility for designing the club’s pre-season schedule lies squarely with the technical staff, led by Amapakabo, who will draw up and submit their proposed programme.

“Asked about the club’s pre-season programme, the former Golden Eaglets coach said the responsibility rests with the technical crew, who will prepare and submit their schedule for management’s review and approval.

“The technical crew will present their schedule, including pre-season tournaments. We’ll study it and, if necessary, give our approval,” Obuh said.

Abia Warriors are expected to participate in a series of pre-season competitions and friendly matches as they look to rebuild confidence and sharpen their squad before the new NPFL season kicks off.

Amapakabo’s track record

Amapakabo, who previously had a managerial stint with Rwandan side Etoile de L’Est in 2024 after replacing Maurice Nshimiyamana, brings considerable experience to the Abia Warriors dugout.

His coaching career includes serving as an assistant with the Super Eagles and working across several Nigerian clubs, where he has built a reputation for promoting an attacking brand of football.

With his return now confirmed, attention in Umuahia will turn to how effectively he can galvanise the squad, address the shortcomings that led to last season’s late slump, and push Abia Warriors higher up the NPFL table.