Pressure at the top of NPFL, panic at the bottom of the log

By Maxwell Kumoye and Trust Ittai 
 
 

Abia Warriors returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kwara United in their Matchday 27 clash of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

After five matches without a win, the Warriors found their spark through an unlikely hero, Casmir Azubuike. 

His speculative 29th-minute delivery, intended as a cross, sailed past everyone in the box, including Kwara United goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso, before nestling into the back of the net. 

The fortunate strike proved decisive in a tense encounter.

Coach Imama Amapakabo made just one change to the side that secured a draw away to Remo Stars in Abeokuta, with Kunle Adeleke stepping in for the suspended Somiari Alalibo.

The adjustment paid off as Adeleke slotted seamlessly into the backline.

The Warriors were sluggish in the opening exchanges but gradually asserted control, pushing the visitors deep into their half. 

Once ahead, the hosts showed resilience, especially in the face of Kwara United’s second-half resurgence.

The visitors dominated possession after the break and pressed hard in the closing stages, but Abia’s defensive quartet of Jibrin Faiz, Kunle Adeleke, Innocent Gabriel, and stand-in captain Emmanuel Ogbuagu stood firm to preserve the slim advantage.

Despite creating several chances to extend their lead, the Warriors were wasteful in front of goal. Chukwuemeka Obioma, Valentine Ugwu, Suraj Lawal, and Azubuike all came close but failed to convert.

The win marks Abia Warriors’ first home triumph in four games and lifts the mood around the club as they prepare for a tricky away fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

MATCHDAY 27 ROUND-UP

Elsewhere across the league, Wikki Tourist edged Remo Stars 2-1, while Warri Wolves and Barau settled for a goalless draw. 

Plateau United delivered the most emphatic performance of the day, thrashing Shooting Stars 4-1. 

Kano Pillars also impressed with a 3-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors, while Rivers United and Enyimba International shared the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate.

As the season enters its decisive stretch, Abia Warriors’ timely return to form could prove pivotal in shaping their campaign.

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