Nigeria Leagues
NPFL: Amapakabo declares Abia Warriors ready for season opener vs Kano Pillars
By Dayo Awoniyi
As the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicks off this weekend, Abia Warriors’ Technical Adviser, Imama Amapakabo, has assured fans that the Umu Chineke are fully primed for the campaign.
Speaking to the club’s media team ahead of their opening clash against Kano Pillars at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday, Amapakabo expressed confidence in his side’s preparations.
“It will be funny if, a few days to the commencement of the league, we say we’re not prepared. We’ve done our bit in the best possible way and will build on what we achieved last season,” he said.
On the importance of starting well, Imama emphasized the psychological lift that an early victory could provide.
“Every game is tough, but we want to win like they also want to win. It’s the beginning of a long season, and after Kano Pillars we have two straight away games. Starting strong will give us a big plus and a psychological boost.”
The former Super Eagles assistant also touched on the club’s transfer activity, stressing that the new recruits were carefully chosen to strengthen the squad.
“The reason why we brought them in is because we believe they will be quality additions. We had a good team last season, got into the groove of winning, but like every Nigerian club, we lost some players. We wish them well, and now we’ve signed replacements we believe will deliver victories.”
Finally, Amapakabo appealed to the fans for patience and support throughout the campaign.
“Trust the process, keep believing in the team, and continue to show us your support,” he urged.
The Warriors vs Pillars tie is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the NPFL opening weekend.
