2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 9 Preview: Abia Warriors Ready for Shooting Stars Challenge in Ibadan – Imama

Posted : 19 October 2025

Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo remains confident ahead of their NPFL Match Day 9 clash with Shooting Stars SC in Ibadan.

As Match Day 9 of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) gathers momentum across the country, Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to take on Shooting Stars SC in Ibadan.

The Warriors, currently second on the NPFL table following a convincing 2–0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors at the Umuahia Township Stadium, will aim to maintain their strong start to the season as they face the Oluyole Warriors on Sunday.

Imama, who guided Abia Warriors to their first-ever continental appearance, said the team’s elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup served as a major learning experience and has further motivated the players to secure another qualification ticket.

“I think most importantly, we accepted that we failed on the continent, but we are not failures,” Imama stated.
“We can only be called failures if by May, when the league ends, we haven’t achieved our target of returning to continental football. We’ve learned from our mistakes and are determined to get better.”

The experienced tactician also expressed confidence in his team’s chances in Ibadan, adding: “I believe we can get victory there.”

His optimism was echoed by Casmir Azubuike, who scored twice in their last match against El-Kanemi Warriors.

“We are Warriors — we only know one thing: to go to battle and return with victory. Hopefully, we’ll go to Ibadan to win and sustain the momentum,” he said.

Statistically, Abia Warriors have averaged 0.9 goals scored and 0.5 goals conceded per game, while Shooting Stars SC have averaged 1 goal scored and 0.9 goals conceded per match.

Head-to-Head Record:

27/04/25 – Abia Warriors 3–1 Shooting Stars
01/12/24 – Shooting Stars 2–0 Abia Warriors
02/06/24 – Shooting Stars 4–0 Abia Warriors
17/12/23 – Abia Warriors 3–2 Shooting Stars
26/06/22 – Shooting Stars 2–2 Abia Warriors

With both teams evenly matched and full of attacking intent, fans can expect an entertaining encounter at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 9 Preview: Abia Warriors Ready for Shooting Stars Challenge in Ibadan – Imama

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