Abia Warriors were held to a goalless draw by visiting Kun Khalifat Football Club of Owerri in the Matchday one encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League decided at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
The match was concluded today, Monday, 31st August 2026, after a heavy downpour disrupted play on Sunday, and made the turf unplayable.
The home side started the game in a slow fashion and failed to carve out any clear-cut chance in the early periods of the game, as the Warriors’ gaffer, Imama Amapakabo, started six of his new recruits: Kelvin Ihunwo, Osimaga Duke, Effimi Nsi, Emmanuel Nnaji, Seyi Oguntayo, and Chidiebere Nnachi
It was the third meeting between the two Oriental brothers as the Warriors failed to convert the numerous chances that came their way to win the bragging rights.
With nothing to separate the two sides in the first half, the introduction of Innocent Godwin and Ikoi Ettah for Osimaga Duke and Chidiebere Nnachi in the 73rd minute upped the game for the Warriors as they mounted a sustained pressure on the visitors.
Chinedu Iwueze joined the fray two minutes later, in place of Emmanuel Nnaji, as Umu Chineke began asking serious questions, but profligacy in front of goal was their worst undoing.
However, a curling effort by Israel Joseph in the added period would have sealed the game for the Warriors, but Kun Khalifat goalkeeper, Akuchie Obinna, made a breathtaking save to deny the youngster. The shot stopper was unarguably the best player for the visitors as he was on top of his game to frustrate the hosts.
Up next for Abia Warriors is a trip to Kaduna to confront Ranchers Bees in their backyard