Abia Warriors and head coach Imama Amapakabo are locked in a contractual standoff following his attempted resignation amid interest from Kano Pillars.
The Umuahia-based club has rejected Amapakabo’s resignation, insisting the 54-year-old remains under contract and must honour its terms.
They also accused Kano Pillars of breaching protocol by approaching the coach without formal contact.
However, the four-time league champions are moving forward with their pursuit. Amapakabo has reportedly agreed personal terms with Pillars, and the Kano side are now prepared to activate the release clause in his Abia Warriors contract to seal the deal.
Imama Amapakabo as 1 year left in the contract he signed last season with Abia Warriors. Photo Credit: X
The NPFL board has asked Pillars to explain their approach, with growing concerns over the potential precedent it could set regarding managerial movement within the league.
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Amapakabo’s stock has risen sharply after masterminding Abia Warriors’ best-ever top-flight season, finishing third in the 2024/25 campaign to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in club history.
Under his guidance, the Warriors registered:
18 wins
6 draws
14 losses
Photo Credit: X
They finished with 60 points, enough to secure their first taste of continental football.
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Despite the tensions, sources close to both clubs suggest that a resolution may be reached if Pillars complete payment of the release clause, potentially ending the standoff and paving the way for Amapakabo’s return to the dugout in Kano.
