Coach Imama Amapakabo don blame defence, say na dem cause am after Abia Warriors collect better 3-1 beating from Rangers International for Sunday 2026/27 Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Oriental Derby for Awka City Stadium.
Even though the scoreline no favour Warriors, their coach believe say dem get enough chances to get something from the match. But careless defending plus inability to finish their chances come back bite dem for the game, na weytin Hitvibz dey yan be dat.
Rangers carry the three points go house after Godwin Obaje, Chidiebere Nwobodo and Daniel Akolade score for the Coal City boys, while Chukwuemeka Obioma score one from penalty spot for Abia Warriors.
Amapakabo Don Blame Defence, Na Dem Cost Warriors Against Rangers
Amapakabo, wey don carry Flying Antelopes win NPFL title before, describe the Oriental Derby as interesting game. But according to am, na Warriors own mistakes make dem lose the match.
“I think say na good and entertaining game. But na we sef lose the game,” the experienced coach tell reporters after the final whistle.
According to the Warriors boss, his boys create better chances for the game, but dem no fit put those opportunities inside net. At the other end, defensive mistakes help Rangers take control of the match.
“Our defence dey too relaxed. Anytime we lose concentration, dem punish us,” he added.
Rangers first goal come for 37th minute when Obaje use header put the ball for net, giving the Coal City side 1-0 lead before halftime.
The goal reportedly be Obaje 101st goal for domestic league football.
Four minutes after second half start, Nwobodo make am 2-0 before Obioma give Warriors small hope after he convert penalty.
But as Abia Warriors dey push to find equaliser, Rangers catch dem for counterattack during stoppage time and Akolade finish the work to make am 3-1.
The win carry Flying Antelopes go top of the league table, while Abia Warriors remain 14th after seven matches.
Amapakabo Still Dey Question Early Red Card Call
Even though Amapakabo accept say his team make mistakes, the coach still talk about one early incident wey he believe fit don change the whole game.
For the fourth minute, Abia Warriors attacker Ikoi Ettah break through towards Rangers goal before one Rangers defender bring am down near the edge of the penalty box.
Referee give free-kick and show yellow card, but Amapakabo believe say the player suppose collect red card because the challenge stop clear goalscoring opportunity.
“For me, na red-card matter be that. I still dey surprised say referee no bring out red because the player clearly stop goalscoring opportunity,” he talk.
But the coach make am clear say he no wan use officiating take explain the defeat.
“Na me be the last person wey go complain about officiating. That one don pass me for a very long time,” Amapakabo add.
He believe say if Rangers player had received red card, the game fit don turn another way, but he also accept say na football.
“Maybe that decision for don change the whole game. But na football. Sometimes things like this dey happen.”
Amapakabo Stand Behind His Goalkeeper After Rangers Loss
Amapakabo also defend his goalkeeper after some mistakes contribute to the goals Rangers score.
The Warriors gaffer reject the idea say because former top goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu and himself dey inside the technical crew, the team no suppose dey concede goals from mistakes.
He compare the situation to striker missing clear chances, saying football na game where individual mistakes fit happen anytime.
“We get plenty chances — like I talk before, we create many clear and better chances for this game. But e pain us say we no fit convert them,” he explain.
Amapakabo describe the mistakes wey cost Warriors the match as technical problems rather than tactical ones, saying the difference matter.
“If na tactical mistake make my team lose, I for worry. But for this game, e clear say mistakes dey happen for football and we just need to accept am.”
For Abia Warriors, dem no get time to cry over this defeat as attention don shift to their next big test against Finidi George’s unbeaten Rivers United.
Last Updated on October 6, 2026 10:58 am by Hitvibz Media
“Na Entertaining Game” — Abia Warriors Coach Amapakabo Talk After Dem Collect 3-1 Beating From Rangers
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