Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo described his side’s goalless draw with Rivers United as “two points dropped” after they failed to win at home for the third time in four matches this season.
The teams shared the points in Sunday’s EuroMatch/NPFL Matchday 8 meeting in Aba, leaving Abia Warriors with three home draws from their opening four fixtures at home in the 2026/2027 EUROMATCH-NPFL season.
Amapakabo said his players lacked confidence during attacking transitions and missed the chance to claim all three points.
“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.
“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.”
The coach, who won the 2015/2016 EuroMatch/NPFL title with Rangers International, added that the club had now surrendered six points at home.
“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 said.
Obioma carries goalscoring burden
Amapakabo also admitted he was concerned by Abia Warriors’ dependence on forward Chukwuemeka Obioma for goals.
The experienced striker, whom the coach described last season as “the only striker with the grace for goals”, has featured in almost all eight matches, scoring six goals and providing one assist.
“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,” Amapakabo said.
“Because, if you leave him alone, at a point in today’s game, I felt pity for him because he was already completely fagged out.”
He said Obioma remained on the pitch deliberately because of his goalscoring ability, but called on other players to contribute.
“He’s played almost all eight games and scored six goals and provided one assist, an awesome performance for any striker anywhere in the world,” he added. “But we’ll continue working, hoping that one of those players will be able to come to the party.”
Meyanga praised after debut
Amapakabo handed young defender Godwin Meyanga his Premier League debut of the season and was pleased with the rookie’s display.
The former Nigeria U-20 national team, Flying Eagles, goalkeeper said Abia Warriors were rebuilding and praised Meyanga for responding positively to his instructions.
“I told him, ‘Boy, go out there and enjoy yourself. Play the game with all your heart’,” he said.
“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 added: “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.”