Abia Warriors Soar to Second as NPFL Title Race Heats Up, Enyimba Still Searching for Form
Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia have continued their impressive run in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), stretching their unbeaten streak to six matches and climbing to second place on the league table.
The Umuahia-based side secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars on Sunday, a result that took them to 37 points from 21 matches, just four points behind league leaders Rivers United, who sit top with 41 points.
Under the guidance of coach Imama Amakapabo, Abia Warriors have quietly built momentum in recent weeks. Before edging Kano Pillars, they held table-toppers Rivers United to a 1-1 draw in Umuahia, claimed a 1-0 away win against Khun Khalifat FC in Owerri, defeated Warri Wolves 1-0 at home, shocked Plateau United with a 1-0 victory in Jos, and later played out a 1-1 draw with the same Plateau United side in Umuahia.
The consistent results have turned Abia Warriors into genuine title contenders, earning them admiration for their discipline, organisation, and ability to grind out results both home and away.
In contrast, former African champions Enyimba FC of Aba are still struggling to find their rhythm this season. Despite reinforcing their squad during pre-season, the People’s Elephant have been far from convincing. Their goalless draw against Barau FC on Sunday further frustrated fans at the Aba Township Stadium, who had hoped for a stronger showing.
However, there is renewed optimism among Enyimba supporters following the appointment of Ayodeji Ayeni as the club’s new Technical Adviser. Many believe his arrival could quickly stabilise the team and spark a turnaround in fortunes.
Opinion: Consistency vs Reputation in the NPFL
Abia Warriors’ rise is a reminder that consistency often outweighs reputation in the NPFL. While they may not boast the history or fanfare of traditional giants, their steady accumulation of points has placed them firmly in the title conversation. If they maintain this focus and hunger, a historic season could be on the horizon.
For Enyimba, the challenge is different. Big names and past glory alone no longer guarantee success. The Aba giants must translate their quality into results, and quickly, if they are to avoid falling further behind. The arrival of a new technical adviser offers hope, but action on the pitch will matter most.
As the season progresses, the NPFL title race promises intrigue—one driven by ambition, resilience, and the ever-unpredictable nature of Nigerian football.
