Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo has described his team’s goalless draw against Rivers United as “two points lost” following their EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 8 encounter in Aba on Sunday.
The Umuahia-based side failed to capitalise on home advantage, extending their disappointing run of dropped points in front of their supporters in the 2026/2027 EUROMATCH-NPFL season.
The result means Abia Warriors have drawn three of their four home matches this season, raising concerns about their ability to turn home fixtures into victories.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Amapakabo expressed frustration with his players’ attacking approach, particularly their inability to take advantage of offensive transitions.
“It’s two points dropped. You know, it’s two points dropped because, to me, I go into every game wanting to win. We had a big problem today in the offensive transition,” he said.
The former Rangers International manager explained that his players struggled to recognise opportunities to launch attacks and appeared to lack confidence against their opponents.
“Our players were not recognising the moment for transition enough. Like I told them, you must not fear. Show respect, but not fear.
“But I think that, at a point in time, it was like they were doubting their own abilities, which was a big factor in the game,” Amapakabo added.
He, however, insisted that the team would continue working to improve its mentality and results as the season progresses.
Abia Warriors Have Dropped Six Home Points
Amapakabo admitted that Abia Warriors have already surrendered six points at home after eight league matches, a situation he believes could affect their campaign if not addressed.
The coach, who guided Rangers International to the NPFL title in the 2015/2016 season, disclosed that his team has managed just nine points from a possible 24.
“Yes, it’s two points lost. I’ve lost six points at home so far, and it counts for something. If you look at it now, we’ve got nine points from eight games out of a possible 24.
“I always try to play to get the desired result,” he stated.
Abia Warriors will now need to improve their home form and become more clinical in front of goal to strengthen their position in the league standings.
Amapakabo Worried About Obioma’s Goalscoring Burden
The Abia Warriors manager also expressed concern about the team’s overdependence on experienced striker Chukwuemeka Obioma for goals.
Obioma has been the club’s leading attacking threat, scoring six goals and providing one assist in the opening eight matches of the season.
Amapakabo acknowledged the striker’s impressive contribution but warned that relying heavily on one player could undermine the team’s attacking effectiveness.
“Yes, you know, when a team has one individual they count on for goals, it is not the best. I’ve been challenging some of my young players who have been around him. Look, you must stand up to be counted,” he said.
The coach admitted that Obioma appeared exhausted during Sunday’s encounter but deliberately kept him on the pitch because of his goalscoring ability.
“At a point in today’s game, I felt pity for him because he was already completely fagged out,” Amapakabo explained.
He added that the club would continue encouraging other attacking players to take responsibility and contribute more goals.
The coach’s comments underline the need for Abia Warriors to develop additional reliable goalscorers if they hope to improve their attacking output and challenge more consistently in the NPFL.
Amapakabo Praises Young Defender Meyanga
Despite his disappointment with the result, Amapakabo found encouragement in the performance of young defender Godwin Meyanga, who made his league appearance of the season against Rivers United.
The coach explained that Abia Warriors are rebuilding their squad following last season and would continue giving opportunities to young players who demonstrate their ability during training.
He revealed that he encouraged Meyanga to approach the match with confidence and give his best against one of the league’s established teams.
“And quite wonderfully, he really answered his name. I’ll keep on introducing the young lads, as long as they prove to me in our practice sessions that they can deliver results,” Amapakabo said.
The former Flying Eagles goalkeeper praised the youngster’s performance, stressing that the opportunity to face a top opponent would help his development.
“It is football, like I always say, not ‘foot brawl’. Kudos to him. He played against one of the biggest teams in the land this season, and I think I will score him very highly,” he added.
Abia Warriors Must Improve to Get Back on Track
The goalless draw against Rivers United leaves Abia Warriors with important questions to answer regarding their home form, attacking transitions and dependence on Obioma for goals.
While Amapakabo remains committed to rebuilding the squad and integrating younger players, his team must find a way to convert more of its scoring opportunities into victories.
With the 2026/2027 EUROMATCH-NPFL season gathering momentum, the Umuahia-based side will be under pressure to turn their performances into positive results and avoid losing further ground in the league standings.
