Executive Chairman of the Abia Warriors Management Board, John Obuh, has exclusively revealed to Completesports.com the key factors driving the club’s impressive form in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Abia Warriors currently sit fifth in the table after 22 rounds of matches— their best-ever performance at this stage of a Nigerian top-flight campaign.
“When we look back at our performance in the 2023/2024 season and realise that we finished as runners-up in the President Federation Cup, there’s always the passion, zeal, and appetite to go one step further and surpass that feat,” Obuh told Completesports.com in an exclusive interview.
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“Then, of course, you consider our coaching personnel, the quality of players recruited, the experience of the management team, our loyal and supportive fans, and the financial backing and encouragement from our Governor, Dr Alex Otti — you wouldn’t expect anything less.
“When you combine these factors with the synergy among the players, coaches, supporters, government, and management team, you begin to understand why we are where we are.
“Essentially, the players are gradually understanding the philosophy of the coaches, just as the entire team is on the same page with the management. So, together, we are not only aiming to match last season’s performance but to surpass it.”
The 64-year-old, who had an illustrious coaching career with stints at Niger Tornadoes, Kwara United, Sharks, and Rangers, also guided Nigeria’s U-17 Golden Eaglets to a silver medal at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted in Nigeria.
Obuh was later promoted to the U-20 Flying Eagles, leading them to the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia, where they reached the quarter-finals before losing to France. He also managed the team at the 2013 edition in Turkey, where they exited in the second round after a defeat to Uruguay.
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Abia Warriors will host Sunshine Stars of Akure in Umuahia on Sunday in an NPFL matchday 23 fixture. Sunshine Stars are second on the table with 37 points from 21 matches and have a game in hand.
Obuh acknowledged the challenge ahead but remains confident that the same divine grace that has guided his team so far will see them through to victory on Sunday.
“No doubt, it will be a tough game. It’s also going to be an exciting match. We expect our supporters, who have maintained the highest level of discipline and loyalty so far, to turn up in full force and back us solidly.
“Of course, we believe that the grace of God, which has been with us and has brought us this far, will also be with us on Sunday,” Obuh concluded.
By Sab Osuji
