NPFL: Imama Amapakabo sets sights on continental return for Abia Warriors

Abia Warriors technical adviser Imama Amapakabo has confirmed that his side is targeting a strong finish to the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Umu Chineke currently occupy fifth position on the NPFL table with 49 points and are aiming to secure a continental ticket for the second consecutive season.

The Warriors are set to face local rivals Enyimba in a highly anticipated Oriental Derby matchday 31 encounter in Aba this Sunday.

Focus beyond the derby

Speaking to the media, Amapakabo emphasized that he is more focused on his team’s remaining seven games than the prestige of the Abia Derby alone.

“It’s not just about this game to me, it’s about the next seven games. We have 21 points to play for, and we’ll play with everything we have.

This game is not more important than any of the other ones. Even if we win this match and drop the rest, it rubbishes everything that we’ve been able to do.

Our ambition, as I said earlier, is to get back into the continent, and if we have to do that, these seven games are vital.”

Ready for Enyimba

The former Nigeria U-23 coach also reflected on his team’s approach regardless of their current standing.

“It’s been a long season, and we’ve played against every other team, and while playing against Enyimba, we don’t look at the current positioning of teams on the league table, rather, we play every team as they come. So, we’ll approach this game as best as we possibly can.”

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