Amapakabo Reflects on Gritty Win as Abia Warriors Eye Improvement

Abia Warriors technical adviser, Imama Amapakabo, has admitted that his team is still a work in progress despite securing a crucial away victory over Kun Khalifat FC.

The Umuahia-based side claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win in their Matchday 17 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter on Sunday, with Suraj Lawal’s decisive strike proving enough to seal all three points.

Speaking after the game, Amapakabo praised his players for showing character in a challenging fixture, while also acknowledging that the performance fell short of his expectations.

“Not our very best performance, but most importantly we got the victory,” Amapakabo told Abia Warriors Media.
“I will commend my players for getting the job done.”

Three Points Over Perfection

The win further underlined Abia Warriors’ growing maturity this season, especially away from home — a quality that often separates serious contenders from the rest of the pack in the NPFL. While the performance lacked fluency at times, the ability to stay compact, manage pressure and capitalise on a key moment reflects a team learning how to win ugly.

Opinion: A Coach Who Knows When to Demand More

Amapakabo’s honesty is perhaps the most encouraging takeaway from the result. In a league where away wins are hard-earned, many coaches would focus solely on the positives. Instead, the former NPFL-winning coach is already looking ahead, aware that consistent improvement, not isolated victories, builds a strong season.

Abia Warriors may not have dazzled in Owerri, but their growing belief and tactical discipline suggest a team quietly positioning itself for bigger ambitions. If performances catch up with results, they could become one of the league’s most dangerous outfits in the weeks ahead.

For now, three points in the bag — and lessons learned — may be the perfect combination.