Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo believes his side missed an opportunity to claim all three points after being held to a goalless draw by Rivers United, admitting that poor offensive transitions and a lack of belief undermined their performance.
The result at home on Sunday left Abia Warriors 15th in the EuroMatch-NPFL standings with nine points from eight matches, having recorded two wins, three draws and three defeats. They have scored eight goals and conceded 11.
Imama was disappointed with the outcome, particularly given his side’s need to collect more points on home soil, where he believes they have already surrendered valuable opportunities this season.
“Yes, I’ve lost six points at home and it counts for something. If you look at it now, we have nine points from about eight games, from a possible 24,” he said after the match.
Asked whether the stalemate represented a point gained or two dropped, the coach was unequivocal.
“Two points dropped to me because I commit to every game to want to win,” he said.
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The Abia Warriors manager identified offensive transitions as a major weakness against a Rivers United side that entered the fixture unbeaten after seven league matches and had conceded just once before Sunday’s encounter.
“I think we had a big problem today in offensive transition. Our players were not recognising the moment enough,” Imama explained.
“Like I told them, you must not show fear. Respect, but no fear. But I think at the point in time, it’s like they were doubting their own abilities, which was a big factor in the game.”
Despite the frustration, Imama insisted that the team would continue working to improve its mentality and belief, particularly against the league’s leading sides.
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One positive from the stalemate was the introduction of young left back Godin Meyanga, who made his debut as Imama continued his efforts to rebuild the squad.
The coach has also given opportunities to other young players, including Idris Alonge and Cole, as he looks to develop options from the club’s second team.
Imama revealed that he personally encouraged Meyanga before the match, telling the youngster to play with freedom rather than become overwhelmed by the occasion.
“I told him, ‘Oh boy, go and enjoy yourself. Play the game to your heart.’ And wonderful,” he said.
The coach added that opportunities would continue to come for young players who demonstrate their readiness during training.
“I’ll keep on introducing the young lads so long as they prove to me that in our practice sessions that they can give me the result,” he explained.
Imama was particularly pleased that Meyanga had acquitted himself against a Rivers United side he considers one of the strongest teams in the country.
“I think I’ll score him very high,” he added.
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Imama also highlighted Abia Warriors’ reliance on striker Chukwemeka Bioma, who has scored six goals and provided one assist in approximately eight matches this season.
Although Bioma failed to score against Rivers United, the coach defended his decision to keep the forward on the pitch, explaining that the performance underlined the need for other attacking players to contribute more consistently.
The manager acknowledged that depending heavily on one source of goals could become a problem over the course of the campaign.
“When a team has one individual that they count on for goals, like I’ve been challenging my other young lads around him. Look, you must stand up and be counted,” Imama said.
Tough trip to Kwara United awaits
Abia Warriors must now turn their attention to Sunday’s away fixture against Kwara United on October 18, a trip that presents another difficult test as they seek to recover from dropping points at home.
Kwara United are 12th with 10 points from eight matches, having won three, drawn one and lost four. They have scored nine goals and conceded nine.
However, their home record suggests Abia Warriors will face a demanding afternoon. Since August 25, 2025, Kwara United have lost only four of their 25 home matches, making their ground a difficult venue for visiting teams.
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