Dogo Blames Fatigue as Abia Warriors Outclass El-Kanemi 2–0

Kabir Dogo, Head Coach of El‑Kanemi Warriors, attributed his side’s 2–0 defeat at Abia Warriors to fatigue, while conceding that the hosts were simply the better team on the day.

“We lost to a better side, as far as I’m concerned,” Dogo admitted after the match. He acknowledged that his team struggled in the first half, saying, “Maybe it was due to fatigue that we didn’t perform well in the first half. But in the second half, we picked up and improved.”

Abia Warriors struck early through Casmir Azubuike, who scored in the 23rd and 27th minutes to hand them a comfortable lead before half‑time. Despite El‑Kanemi’s efforts after the break, Abia held firm and absorbed pressure to complete the win.

Looking ahead to Matchday 9, Dogo said he plans to return home, analyse the game, pinpoint their mistakes, and bounce back stronger against Wikki Tourists.

Editorial

We see more than just a defeat in El‑Kanemi Warriors’ latest outing we see lessons about preparation, squad depth, and psychological stamina. When a coach cites fatigue, it is rarely a convenient excuse it usually reveals deeper cracks in planning and resource management.

We believe that in a league as gruelling as the NPFL, success is as much about managing energy as it is about tactical nous. El‑Kanemi’s inability to carry their form consistently across the 90 minutes suggests that their conditioning programmes, rotation policy, or recovery protocols need urgent review. To suggest that the first half was lost merely to tired legs is to ignore that fatigue is itself a symptom of systemic gaps.

We observe also that conceding early goals like the two by Azubuike puts a team in a hole from which recovery is often uphill. Abia’s frontloading of their attack showed they were primed and ready, and El‑Kanemi’s sluggish start effectively surrendered control. Recognising that Abia “showed the quality that earned them a place in the CAF Confederation Cup,” as Dogo did, is sensible. But acknowledging quality after defeat cannot substitute for robust preparation before kick‑off.

We expect that Dogo’s plan to review and correct is a standard reaction. But we urge that the emphasis must go beyond post‑match talk to actual structural changes fitness regimes, squad rotations, psychological readiness, and clearer recovery strategies. A team stretched too thin will crumble repeatedly in tight campaigns.

We stand by the notion that this loss, when properly dissected and learned from, can catalyse growth. If El‑Kanemi embed those insights into practice, the defeat will not define them but refine them.

Did You Know?

1. Abia Warriors’ qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup reflects their consistent performance in recent NPFL seasons.
2. The NPFL schedule often demands midweek and weekend games in close succession, exacerbating fatigue for teams with shallow squads.
3. Casmir Azubuike, who scored the brace in this match, has been a standout forward for Abia Warriors over multiple seasons.
4. Matchday 8 of NPFL frequently becomes a litmus test where contenders emerge and challengers falter.
5. El‑Kanemi Warriors are based in Maiduguri and often travel long distances for away fixtures, a factor that can contribute to physical strain over the season.