By Oluwamayowa Fakande
John Obuh, Executive Chairman of the Abia Warriors Management Committee, has reflected on the club’s arduous journey to securing a historic top-three finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)-a feat that has earned them a spot in the 2025/2026 CAF Confederation Cup.
Obuh, 65, a respected tactician and former coach of Nigeria’s U17 and U20 national teams, described the NPFL as one of Africa’s most unpredictable and competitive leagues.
He credited the club’s resilience, hard work, and focus for their remarkable campaign.
“We’ve never had a stable position in the league. That’s why it has been very, very difficult,” Obuh said. “You play one game and find yourself in 11th place. You play another and move up to 9th.”
“But the most important thing is that we kept faith and belief in ourselves, having a clear target. Despite the ups and downs in our performance, we weathered all the storms and still reached our destination.”
Abia Warriors wrapped up the 2024/2025 NPFL season in third place with 60 points from 38 matches-just four points behind second-placed Rivers United.
The finish secures their debut appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup, while Rivers United and league champions Remo Stars will fly Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League.
