NPFL Matchday 37: Abia Warriors Chase Continental Dream as Khalifat Fight for Survival

Posted : 10 May 2026

Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat FC are set for a decisive Oriental derby clash as the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season reaches its final and most intense stage. The Matchday 37 encounter will take place at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Sunday, with both sides facing contrasting objectives.

For Abia Warriors, the focus remains on keeping their slim hopes of continental qualification alive. However, their recent defeat away to Rivers United has complicated that ambition, leaving them in sixth position with 55 points and little margin for error with only two games left.

Despite that setback, the Warriors remain confident, particularly due to their strong performances at home. The Aba-based side have turned their temporary home ground into a fortress this season, suffering only one draw while winning all other home fixtures, a record that strengthens their belief ahead of this crucial clash.

Head coach Imama Amapakabo knows that nothing less than victory will keep his team in contention for a top-three finish. His side will be determined to respond strongly and protect their impressive home record in front of their supporters.

On the other hand, Kun Khalifat arrive in Aba under severe pressure as they continue their battle for survival. Sitting 17th on the table with 43 points, the Owerri-based club remain inside the relegation zone and are in urgent need of points to revive their hopes of staying in the top flight.

The visitors will also be motivated by revenge after narrowly losing 1-0 to Abia Warriors in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. With their survival at stake, Khalifat are expected to approach the game with urgency and high intensity.

Recent displays suggest they are still fighting, and they will look to channel that determination into a crucial result away from home. However, they face a difficult task against a Warriors side strong on their own turf.

Injuries will also affect the hosts, with Maxwell Kangeshima, Ayodele Ezekiel, Jibrin Faiz, and Israel Joseph all unavailable for selection.

With continental ambition meeting relegation pressure, Sunday’s derby promises to be a tense and fiercely contested battle in Aba, where both sides have everything to play for.

NPFL Matchday 37: Abia Warriors Chase Continental Dream as Khalifat Fight for Survival

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