Amapakabo Believes Abia Warriors Have What It Takes for a Top-Three Finish

 

Amapakabo Eyes Top-Three Finish as Abia Warriors Edge Bendel Insurance

Abia Warriors head coach, Imama Amapakabo, remains optimistic about his team’s chances of clinching a top-three spot in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), despite intense competition.

The former junior international goalkeeper and 2015/2016 NPFL title-winning coach with Rangers expressed his confidence following a narrow 1-0 triumph over Bendel Insurance in their matchday 29 encounter in Umuahia on Sunday.

“With nine games left, that’s 27 points up for grabs,” Amapakabo noted. “We’re currently fifth. If we can pick up some solid results on the road and stay dominant at home, anything is possible. Yeah, it’s possible.”

The match-winning goal came from Super Eagles B forward Sunday Megwo just before halftime. Interestingly, Megwo was also the hero in their first-round meeting, scoring the lone goal in Abia Warriors’ 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance in Benin. His latest strike takes him to nine goals for the season, making him the club’s leading scorer.

Sunday’s victory propelled Abia Warriors to fifth place with 44 points from 29 matches, keeping them within reach of their top-three ambitions.

Amapakabo acknowledged the challenge posed by Bendel Insurance, a side in strong form heading into the fixture.

“As a coach, I always want my team to improve with each game. But we played against a team that has been on a great run,” he said. “Looking at their last seven games, they’ve been on a ‘roller-coaster’—playing with fight and character. It was important for us to get a win, and we’re happy we did.”

Despite leading at halftime, Abia Warriors had to dig deep to maintain their advantage as Bendel Insurance piled on the pressure in search of an equalizer.

Amapakabo admitted his side struggled in the second half.

“We lost too many second balls in midfield, and our shape wasn’t right. We sat too deep, creating gaps that were difficult to close,” he explained. “The second-half turnovers were not in our favor today, but in the end, securing the win was what mattered most.”

With the season entering a crucial phase, Abia Warriors will need to build on this momentum as they chase a coveted top-three finish in the NPFL.