Imama Amapakabo returns as head coach of Abia Warriors

Experienced gaffer Imama Amapakabo has returned to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Abia Warriors as head coach. SportsRation reports.

Amapakabo, 54, previously managed Abia Warriors for two seasons before departing two years ago. His return comes after the club’s recent defeat in the President Federation Cup final to El-Kanemi Warriors.

Last season, Amapakabo was the head coach of Rwandan side Etoile de l’Est, where he experienced a dramatic relegation to the second division on the final day of the season. Now, he has signed a two-year contract with Abia Warriors, with an option to extend for an additional year. The signing took place in the presence of Abia Warriors Sporting Director Emeka Ifejiagwa.

The club announced the return on Twitter, saying:

“We are excited to welcome back Imama Amapakabo on a two-year deal as the new coach Show the Gaffer some love and get ready for an amazing journey together again #WelcomeBackImama #Warriors ”

In an interview on Magic FM, monitored in Port Harcourt, Amapakabo expressed his enthusiasm about working with the current management team at Abia Warriors:

“I am thankful that I have people like Chief John Obuh (club chairman) and Emeka Ifejiagwa that understand what football is all about. It’s a comfortable contract for all of us and we resolve to work together for it to move Abia Warriors forward.”

One of Amapakabo’s immediate challenges will be convincing key players, whose contracts are expiring at the end of the month, to stay with the club. Many of these players have received offers from other clubs both domestically and internationally.

Abia Warriors finished twelfth in the league for the 2023/2024 season and missed the opportunity to qualify for continental play for the first time in their history after their loss in the Cup final in Lagos.