NPFL: Contrasting fortunes of Enyimba and Abia Warriors

It has been an interesting development in Abia state regarding the fortunes of Enyimba FC of Aba and Abia Warriors of Umuahia, the two clubs representing the state in the NPFL this season.

While there is an apprehension that if care is not taken, Enyimba may be heading towards relegation after amasing 39 points from 32 games and currently on 15th position, the reverse is the case in the camp of Abia Warriors, a team aiming for continental slot based on their good form in the NPFL.

Abia Warriors under the chairmanship of John Obuh, are presently occupying 6th position with 49 points from 32 games, only six points seperating them from Rivers United, the team leading the NPFL.

Interestingly, the emergence of Obuh as chairman of the club seems to have re- shaped the team into a more formidable foe in the NPFL. Prior to this, Abia Warriors are mainly known for giving thanks to God for escaping relegation at the end of each season.

Same club came 3rd last season and it is now a regular in representing Nigeria at the CAF continental competitions. Abia Warriors popularly called Umuchineke in Igbo language which is translated as children of God in English language, played the final of the FA Cup in 2023, the first time in their history where they lost to El-kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri.

Obuh, a former professional player in the league, coached some prominent teams in Nigeria and was also very prominent as national team coach of the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles more than a decade ago, has brought in his wealth of experience to the club needed for stabilisation from where Pastor Emeka Inyama stopped.

From all indication, it is very glaring that Obuh knows the terrain of the NPFL clearly, the evidence is there for every football loving Abian to see and it will not be out of place for Kanu Nwankwo to learn one or two things from what is happening at Abia Warriors.

Perhaps, Obuh is leveraging on the foundation laid down by his predeccesor, Pastor Inyama. Anyway, based on the fortunes of Abia Warriors in the last three years, there is no denying the fact that the former coach of Kwara United has the midas touch to administer the club to greater heights.