NPFL: Imama Targets Positive Start As Abia Warriors Host Kun Khalifat In Oriental Derby
Retold by Oddsrama · 29 August 2026
Abia Warriors are determined to make a strong impression in the new NPFL season, and head coach Imama Amapakabo has made it clear his squad is ready for the challenge. The former Super Eagles assistant believes starting well is non-negotiable if the club is to build meaningful momentum over the long campaign. With 38 matches ahead and 114 points available, Imama breaks down the season strategically: the opening nine games are worth 27 points—roughly a quarter of the total prize pool—and securing a healthy haul from those early weeks will set the tone for the rest of the journey.
The Warriors open their account at home against fellow Oriental rivals Kun Khalifat FC on Sunday, giving them a golden opportunity to kick things off with a win. Imama has used the pre-season to drill his philosophy into the squad and is keen to see how his players convert training-ground work into match performance. One area he's targeting for improvement is clinical finishing; the team struggled to convert chances in both last season and the warm-up period, and he's made it a priority to sharpen that edge in the final third.
Abia Warriors have undergone rebuilding after losing several key players from last season's squad, but Imama won't compromise on his attacking principles. He's an aggressive, offensive-minded coach who believes in outscoring opponents rather than merely containing them—if the scoreline reads 18–15 in his favour, he's content. That philosophy shapes everything his team does, even as new players absorb his defensive structure. After nine matches, Abia will have a clearer picture of where they stand, where gaps exist, and what tweaks are needed. For bettors, an Abia side backed by an attacking coach in the opening weeks could offer value, especially at home where they'll look to impose themselves early.
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