NPFL: Amapakabo Returns as Abia Warriors Confirm Coach’s Recall After Suspension
Executive chairman John Obuh says the club is leaning on continuity and team spirit heading into the 2026/27 season, after resolving the disagreement that led to the suspension.
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Abia Warriors have confirmed that head coach Imama Amapakabo has returned to the club’s dugout after serving a suspension handed down by the club’s management.
Amapakabo, a former Nigeria junior international and Super Eagles assistant coach, had been suspended following the club’s 2-0 home defeat to struggling Kun Khalifat in last season’s NPFL Matchday 37 Oriental Derby.
The executive chairman John Obuh confirmed the coach had already returned to his post weeks earlier and is now preparing the squad for the 2026/27 season, saying simply, “Imama has resumed duties.” Obuh acknowledged that disagreements can happen even within a close-knit club, but said such issues are always resolved so the group can move forward together.
He added that the club’s focus is now entirely on the season ahead, with management banking on continuity, team spirit, and lessons learned from last season’s shortcomings to drive an improved campaign.
On pre-season planning, Obuh said responsibility for scheduling training and any warm up tournaments rests with Amapakabo’s technical crew, who will submit their plans for management’s review and approval before the new campaign gets underway.
Did You Know?
- Imama Amapakabo is a former Nigeria junior international and former Super Eagles assistant coach.
- He previously managed Rwandan club Etoile de l’Est, taking over from Maurice Nshimiyamana in 2024.
- His suspension at Abia Warriors followed a 2-0 home defeat to Kun Khalifat in NPFL Matchday 37 last season.
- John Obuh is the executive chairman of Abia Warriors.
- Amapakabo has also previously coached Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets.
- Abia Warriors are based in Umuahia, Abia State.
- Amapakabo’s technical crew is responsible for submitting the club’s pre-season schedule for management approval.
