Oriental Derby: Abia Warriors Set Sights on Defeating Rangers

Posted : 06 February 2026

As the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) enters a crucial phase, Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia is set to face Enugu Rangers International in an Oriental Derby that promises to be intense and electrifying.

The Matchday 25 clash will take place at Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, where the Warriors are playing their home games due to ongoing renovations at Umuahia Township Stadium.

Umu Chineke have managed only one point from their last three matches, dropping out of the top three following a defeat to Katsina United in their previous league fixture. However, they remain determined to regain form, confident that a top-three finish—and another shot at continental football—is still within reach.

Abia Warriors head coach, Imama Amapakabo—who led Rangers to the league title a few years ago—will be eager for his team to return to winning ways by defeating his former club. His intensity during training sessions reflects his determination: “The Warriors want another test in continental football,” he stated, as the team prepares to face the Flying Antelopes in Aba.

The league table is tight, with only one point separating the two Oriental rivals. A win for the home side could see them leapfrog Rangers and move into third place, depending on other results.

A typical Oriental Derby defies logic, league positions, or historical trends, so spectators can expect an exciting and closely contested match.

Statistically, the Warriors have averaged 0.83 goals scored per game and 0.71 goals conceded, while Enugu Rangers average 1.17 goals scored and 0.83 goals conceded. After 24 games, Umuahia’s side sits 5th with 38 points, and the Flying Antelopes occupy 3rd with 39 points.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches):

21/09/25: RFC 2-0 AWFC
19/02/25: AWFC 1-0 RFC
06/10/24: RFC 1-0 AWFC
16/04/24: RFC 3-2 AWFC
26/11/23: AWFC 1-0 RFC

Injury Update:

Out: Augustine Njoku, Yakub Hammed, Wilson Elu, Ayodele Ezekiel
Return: Innocent Godwin, Israel Joseph

New Signings:
Odunlami Yinka, Uzoma Chinonso Stephen, Omoge Ebenezer Sogo, Ibrahimi Idris Alonge, Ugwu Tochukwu Valentine

Departures:
Taheer Abubakar, Samuel Faniyi, Fred David, Victor Chukwudi

Abia Warriors will face Rangers International of Enugu at Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on Sunday, 8 February 2026, in a Matchday 25 fixture of the NPFL. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 local time.

Oriental Derby: Abia Warriors Set Sights on Defeating Rangers

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