We Need The Three Points — Amapakabo Sends Strong Warning Ahead Of Rivers United Clash

Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo has challenged his players to defeat Rivers United when both teams meet on Sunday, October 11, as his side seeks to strengthen its position in the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Abia Warriors will host Rivers United at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba in a Matchday Eight fixture, with Amapakabo describing the encounter as an important opportunity to collect three points and reduce the gap between his team and the league leaders.

Rivers United, who finished as runners-up last season, have remained unbeaten after seven matches and occupy second place with 15 points, one behind defending champions and current leaders Rangers International.

Amapakabo believes Rivers United’s impressive unbeaten run should motivate his players to deliver a strong performance, insisting that the visitors should be approached like any other opponent in the league.

The Abia Warriors manager stressed that securing all three points would be vital to his team’s ambitions, adding that the club must improve its position to remain competitive in the title race.

He also acknowledged the need to address defensive weaknesses exposed in Abia Warriors’ 3-1 defeat to Rangers International in Awka last Sunday. Although Faiz Jubrim was sent off in the 81st minute, Amapakabo maintained that his side’s defensive shortcomings had also contributed to the loss.

The coach said the technical crew had reviewed the performance and was working to correct the problems ahead of the Rivers United encounter. He is also expected to adjust his tactics to counter the visitors’ defensive strength and threat on the counter-attack.

Meanwhile, Enyimba will seek to extend their unbeaten run to four matches when they travel to face Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Friday, October 9.

The Aba-based club endured a difficult start to the campaign, losing its first four league matches. However, two victories and a draw against Plateau United, Shooting Stars and Kano Pillars have helped the team recover and move out of the relegation zone.

Enyimba assistant coach Lawrence Ukaegbu expressed appreciation to the club’s supporters for standing by the team during its difficult period and voiced confidence ahead of the trip to Katsina.

Ukaegbu said Enyimba would aim to produce a good performance and return with either a victory or a draw, stressing that the team was determined to avoid defeat.

Katsina United, meanwhile, have recorded two wins, two draws and one loss in their last five matches, setting up a competitive encounter between the sides. Enyimba won the previous meeting in Aba 3-0 on April 12, 2026, while Katsina United claimed a 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture in November 2025.

Other NPFL Matchday Eight fixtures will see Ranchers Bees face Niger Tornadoes and Ikorodu City take on Kwara United on Saturday, October 10.

Sunday’s matches will also feature Kun Khalifat FC against Shooting Stars, Sporting Lagos FC versus Bendel Insurance, Barau FC against Enugu Rangers, Plateau United versus Kano Pillars, Warri Wolves against Inter Lagos FC, and Nasarawa United facing Doma United.

With several clubs seeking valuable points at this stage of the season, Matchday Eight could prove important in shaping the early league standings and the developing title race.