Imama Amapakabo will remain at the helm of Abia Warriors for the 2025–26 Nigeria Premier Football League season, dismissing interest from Kano Pillars. Although Kano Pillars reportedly approached him, the club’s media director Solomon Igwe described their overture as an attempt to poach the tactician. "He’s with us. He didn’t join Kano Pillars as alleged. It was Kano Pillars that went behind to poach," he stated.
Amapakabo’s continuation signals stability as Abia Warriors enter a pivotal campaign. Fresh from a third-place finish and historic qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, the Umuahia-based club are eager to build on momentum under his leadership. Amapakabo’s tactical insight and continuity remain central to their ambitions in both domestic and continental competitions.
Editorial
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We celebrate Imama Amapakabo’s decision to stay at Abia Warriors it reflects both personal loyalty and project integrity. Amid swirling speculation linking him to Kano Pillars, his commitment offers and focus as the club gears up for their maiden continental campaign.
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We believe continuity matters. Amapakabo’s tactical system has matured over recent seasons; retention of leadership allows the club to sharpen and refine rather than reset. His familiarity with the squad, ethos, and infrastructure provides a solid platform for progress.
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We maintain that such stability enhances both the morale and performance of players. With pre-season underway and continental fixtures looming, having a trusted adviser in place ensures smoother preparation and clearer strategic direction.
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We assert that Abia Warriors’ supportive environment—coupled with Amapakabo’s proven record—should be viewed as a long-term partnership. Supporters can take heart: this is not just retention of a coach, but preservation of a vision.
Did You Know?
Amapakabo led Rangers International to the NPFL title in 2016—his debut season as head coach becoming one of the youngest to achieve the feat.
Abia Warriors finished third in the 2024–25 NPFL season, securing qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
Prior to linking with Kano Pillars, Amapakabo guided Abia Warriors to seven victories from their last ten league matches, propelling them into the top‑four.
His previous absence from pre-season training in July 2025 sparked internal concern within Abia Warriors, amid suggestions he might defect—though the issue was quickly [resolved](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/football-history/mikel-leads-nigerian-earnings-ranks-6th-in-africa-richest-footballers/).
Kano Pillars finished ninth in the 2024–25 NPFL season and had reportedly sought Amapakabo after failing to secure Stanley Eguma from Enyimba.