Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia is set to make a triumphant return to their home base in Umuahia for their upcoming matches in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). After being banished from Umuahia earlier this year due to the poor conditions of the stadium, the team has now been granted provisional approval by the NPFL to play in front of their home fans once again.
The news was met with gratitude and excitement from the team, with Chairman John Obuh expressing his thanks to the NPFL for lifting the ban and Governor Alex Otti’s administration for their efforts in bringing Abia Warriors back to Umuahia. The Chairman emphasized the importance of playing on natural grass in Umuahia, as opposed to the artificial turf they had been playing on away from home, in order to protect the players from injuries and boost team morale.
Captain Augustine Njoku echoed the Chairman’s sentiments, expressing his team’s gratitude to the NPFL and the Abia State government for their return to Umuahia. However, he also urged all concerned authorities to ensure that permanent approval is granted to the team before the start of the next season.
In preparation for their upcoming home match against Lobi Stars of Makurdi, players have already begun training inside the stadium. The NPFL’s provisional approval will allow Abia Warriors to continue playing their home matches in Umuahia for the current season, with periodic inspections to ensure the stadium meets the required standards.
While the team is thrilled to be back in Umuahia, there is still work to be done to secure final approval from the NPFL. More structural improvements are needed at the stadium before the team can receive the green light to play there permanently. With the support of the NPFL and the Abia State government, Abia Warriors are looking forward to a successful season back in their hometown.
