Abia Warriors coach Imama Amapakabo didn’t hold back his disappointment after watching his side fall 2–0 to Enugu Rangers in a heated NPFL Oriental Derby at the Cathedral, accusing the hosts of poor sportsmanship and slamming the repeated disappearance of match balls during the second half.
The fiery encounter, played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, saw Rangers take full advantage in front of their fans with early goals from Chigozie Iwundu and Godwin Obaje, leaving the Umuahia Warriors frustrated after a promising start to the season, Footballrover reports.
Abia Warriors’ Boss Fumes: “Balls Disappeared After Halftime”
Speaking after the game, Amapakabo voiced his displeasure over what he described as unsporting conduct that, in his view, hurt the image of Nigerian football.
“You say lack of concentration. I never use that word,” he began. “One or two players were a bit slow technically—but that’s different from tactics. Did Rangers create any major chance? My sincere answer is no. But they got two goals in the game.”
The Abia Warriors boss then turned his attention to what he saw as a recurring problem in the domestic league — the disruption of play through deliberate time-wasting.
“Rangers were leading 2–0. You had the game in your hands. From the very first minute of the second half, we had about 12, 10 balls to play with. All of a sudden, the ball disappeared. I think it’s appalling,” he fumed.
“It doesn’t tell well of our football. These are the things that make us unable to market our league properly. You scored two goals; you should be able to come and score more. Why hide the balls in play?”
Despite his frustration, Amapakabo maintained composure at the end of his remarks, congratulating the Flying Antelopes for the win but insisting the league must do better.
“Congratulations to Rangers,” he said. “They won today. But these are the things I detest about our game.”
Warriors Slip, Rangers Rise in Tight NPFL Table
The defeat saw the Umuahia warlords drop from third to fourth on the NPFL standings, sitting on 12 points from seven games, while Enugu Rangers are now just a single point behind.
The result also continued the Enugu side’s solid home form — and marked the third time in four meetings that the Flying Antelopes have beaten the Warriors at the Cathedral.
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