2026/2027 NPFL Match Day 1: Abia Warriors Seek Perfect Start Against Kun Khalifat

Posted : 29 August 2026

Abia Warriors will begin their 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign with a strong desire for victory when they host newly promoted Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri on Sunday.

The Match Day 1 encounter is scheduled to take place at the iconic Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, with kick-off fixed for 4 p.m.

For Abia Warriors technical adviser Imama Amapakabo, the opening fixture represents more than just the first of 38 league matches, as he expects his players to establish a strong foundation for the campaign.

Amapakabo expressed confidence in the team's level of preparedness ahead of the new season.

"To say we're not prepared would be unthinkable. I believe Abia Warriors is as prepared as we can be for the season," he said.

The coach believes an encouraging start could provide the platform for the team to build momentum during the early stages of the campaign.

"It's always important to start on a good footing. We've talked about it as players and as individuals. Everyone understands what it means to begin with a win," he said.

Amapakabo has divided the long campaign into smaller targets, describing the first nine matches as the equivalent of the opening 100 metres of a 400-metre race.

"There are 114 points available in total. The first nine games are worth 27 points. We will see how many of those we can pick up, then build from there. But the key thing is to start well," he added.

The coach's biggest concern, however, remains the team's efficiency in front of goal.

According to him, preseason preparations have focused on developing a clear playing identity while improving coordination in the final third, an area he identified as a major weakness last season.

"I want to see how well the players have imbibed my philosophy, how we play, and how we execute.

"In the final third, especially, I want to see better coordination. Converting chances was one big challenge for us in preseason. It was also an issue for us last season, and correcting that is one of my main targets this season," Amapakabo said.

The Umuahia-based side also faces the challenge of integrating new players following the departure of some members of last season's squad.

Amapakabo acknowledged the rebuilding process but insisted that it would not force him to abandon his attacking philosophy.

"We lost a couple of players from last season's squad, so we are rebuilding and trying to infuse our defensive philosophy into the new players," he said.

He added that his preference would remain an aggressive approach rather than adopting a conservative style.

"If you score 15 against me and I score 18, I will still win. I'm an attacking-minded coach.

"I tell the players all the time, I'm not afraid of losing, but I don't want to lose. We will play my way," he said.

With Kun Khalifat providing the opposition in the season opener, Abia Warriors will be hoping their preparations translate into three points and an early statement of intent in the new NPFL campaign.

The Aba clash promises to offer an immediate test of Amapakabo's revamped squad, particularly their attacking efficiency and ability to turn chances into goals.

2026/2027 NPFL Match Day 1: Abia Warriors Seek Perfect Start Against Kun Khalifat

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