NPFL: Abia Warriors Targeting Continental Return After Season Of Lessons — Ifejiagwa

Abia Warriors Sporting Director, Emeka Ifejiagwa, has spoken glowingly of the club’s readiness for the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), which kicks off this weekend, 30 August 2026, across the country, Completesports.com reports.

The former Udoji United and Iwuanyanwu Nationale centre-back also demanded the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the country’s domestic top flight to complement the efforts of the ‘improved’ performance of the referees and also help to make the domestic football league better.
Abia Warriors will get their 2026/2027 campaign underway against Kun Khalifat at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba, their adopted home ground, on Saturday, 30 August 2026.

“I can say without contradiction that as a club, Abia Warriors are ready and prepared for the 2026/2027 NPFL,” Ifejiagwa, a former Super Eagles defender, stated.

“We came back a few days ago from Ikenne where we took part in a pre-season tournament which also served as pre-season camping for us.

“And since we came back, we’ve been here in Aba as part of our concentration camping ahead of the kick-off of the 2026/2027 season.

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“So, against this backdrop, I can say that we’re prepared for the coming season. Our first match of the season, on Saturday, 30 August, is against Kun Khalifat of Owerri, here in Aba and we’re looking forward to it.”

In an apparent reflection of their 2025/2026 season performance, where they held out strongly for a possible top-three finish but eventually ended in 7th position with 55 points, Ifejiagwa said the club’s top-three finish dream was cut short by injuries and a late-season loss of form.

“We started the last season with high hopes. We went for it. We gave it everything. But somehow, late in the season, injuries came. We later overcame that and loss of form came late into the campaign.

“Again, we recovered late but then, the damage had been done. If we had won against Kun Khalifat and Warri Wolves, surely, we would have touched our hands on our season’s target, which is a ticket back to the continent,” Ifejiagwa lamented.

Abia Warriors Balance Experience With Youth

Ifejiagwa stated that they have learned from their last season’s shortcomings and have now put their house in order for a new push, aiming to reclaim their spot in the African inter-club competition.

“Some of the players we paraded last season have left. We’ve equally recruited some young and energetic ones to take their places. You can’t buy experience in the market. At the same time, you can’t do without youthfulness, energy, skill and speed.

“That’s the balance we now have in the team. Don’t forget, technically, Abia Warriors is one of the teams that has the best collection of experienced technical crew.

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“Right from our Management Committee Chairman, John Obuh, who is an ex-player and coach, to the technical adviser, Imama Amapakabo, Ike Shorunmu, Bethel Orji and myself — as Sporting Director — you can see the experience in the technical crew behind Abia Warriors.

“So, we hope and we pray, just as we try to work hard for a better performance this coming season, so that we can go back into the continent next season.”

The Abia Warriors Sporting Director spoke about Abia State Government support for the team, as well as his plea for the club’s supporters to continue to stand firmly behind the team this coming season.

“When it comes to funding, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, Executive Governor of Abia State, has been there for us.

“He understands the cost implications of us playing kind of ‘home away from home’. And as for our fans, I want to tell you something: ‘when this (technical crew and management) came on board, the fans had this belief that if you can’t win (the league), better keep us where you met us’.

“And I told them that philosophy isn’t our portion. Then, we have been taking the club to the continent and, for the fact that we’re unable to do that this last season, I can say it wasn’t a nice campaign for us.

“This time, we hope to do better and reclaim our spot in the continent’s inter-club competition.”

Abia Warriors Unfazed By Enyimba Stadium Move

Abia Warriors will play their home games this season at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba. But Ifejiagwa is not losing any sleep over that.

“I’ve played football in several countries across Europe. And I’ve come to understand that with a good pitch, level playing field in terms of officiating, any team can win anywhere.

Also Read: Shorunmu Reveals Reasons Abia Warriors Collapsed In 2025/2026 NPFL Top Three Race

“So, I think we’re at home here in Aba. Let the officiating be at the top level and everyone will enjoy good football.”

VAR Introduction Could Improve NPFL — Ifejiagwa

Ifejiagwa, however, pleaded with the organisers of the Nigeria elite league to put in place Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to help add quality to the league.

“I must first commend the leadership of the Nigeria Premier Football League Board led by Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye and Davidson Owumi. They have done a great job in reforming and refining the domestic league.

“I also commend the referees; they did a very good job last season. But then, there were some who came short of their professional calling. Football is a big business. It’s a big industry. And investors are expected to come in.

“In view of this, I would want the organisers to see the salient need for the introduction of VAR in our league. It’s very important, at least, to ensure that our games run near flawlessly. If this happens, investors would be encouraged to come in and put their money.”