Abia Warriors Held to Goalless Draw By Kun Khalifat in NPFL Opener

Akuchie’s Heroics Deny Umu Chineke As Heavy Rain Forces Match Into Monday Finish

ABA, Abia State – Abia Warriors began their 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, campaign with a 0-0 draw against visiting Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri in a Matchday 1 encounter decided at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba on Monday, August 31, 2026.

The game was originally scheduled for Sunday but was suspended due to a heavy downpour that rendered the pitch unplayable.

The home side started slowly and struggled to create clear-cut chances in the early exchanges.

Warriors Head Coach, Imama Amapakabo, handed debuts to six 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” this season, but both sides failed to find the breakthrough.

With nothing to separate the teams at halftime, Amapakabo made changes to inject life into the attack.

The introduction of Innocent Godwin and Ikoi Ettah for Osimaga Duke and Chidiebere Nnachi in the 73rd minute lifted the tempo, as Abia Warriors mounted sustained pressure.

Chinedu Iwueze also came on two minutes later for Emmanuel Nnaji, as “Umu Chineke” began asking serious questions of the Kun Khalifat defense.

However, wastefulness in front of goal proved costly for the hosts.

The best chance of the game fell in added time when Israel Joseph let fly with a curling effort that looked destined for the net. But Kun Khalifat goalkeeper, Akuchie Obinna, produced a breathtaking save to deny the youngster and preserve a point for the visitors.

Akuchie was arguably the best player on the pitch and frustrated the Warriors throughout.

The result leaves Abia Warriors with one point from their first game.

Up next for the Umuahia-based side is a trip to Kaduna to face Ranchers Bees in their next NPFL fixture.

Source: Abia Warriors Media