Abia Warriors technical adviser Imama Amapakabo has emphasized that the team’s focus extends beyond the upcoming Abia Derby against Enyimba, as the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) campaign enters its decisive phase.
The local rivals will meet at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Sunday in a matchday 31 fixture. While the fixture generates significant public interest, Amapakabo stated that the club is prioritizing the broader objective of securing a continental competition spot for a second consecutive season.
“It’s just the hype of spectators and expectations of everyone,” Amapakabo said in an interview with the club’s official media channel. “It’s not just about this game to me, it’s about the next seven games. We have 21 points to play for, and we’ll play with everything we have.”
Currently positioned fourth in the NPFL table, Abia Warriors are within reach of a CAF (Confederation of African Football) competition berth. The final stretch of the season is critical for teams vying for those qualifying places. Amapakabo’s comments reflect a calculated approach, directing attention to the accumulated points needed rather than the singular derby match.
The result of Sunday’s encounter could influence the tight race for continental slots, but the technical adviser insisted the coaching staff’s strategy is built around sustained performance across all remaining fixtures. The team will travel to Aba with the dual aim of securing a positive derby result while maintaining momentum in the overarching league campaign.
With seven matches left, including the derby, Amapabako’s public stance underscores a professional mindset that downplays narrative-driven hype in favor of concrete points accumulation. The outcome of the Abia Derby will undoubtedly impact the NPFL’s top-four standings, but for Abia Warriors, the final league positions will be determined by performance across the full 21-point finale.
