Abia Warriors are determined to reclaim their place in African inter-club competition when the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) kicks off on Saturday, 30 August 2026 — and the club's Sporting Director, Emeka Ifejiagwa, says they are fully prepared to make that ambition a reality.

The club open their campaign at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba, against Kun Khalifat, their adopted home ground serving as the stage for what Ifejiagwa is framing as a fresh continental charge.

Lessons learned from a difficult campaign

Abia Warriors finished seventh in the 2025/2026 NPFL season with 55 points, a result that disappointed a squad and fanbase that had genuine top-three aspirations entering the final stretch of the campaign.

Ifejiagwa, a former Super Eagles defender who also played for Udoji United and Iwuanyanwu Nationale, was candid about what derailed them. "We started the last season with high hopes. We went for it. We gave it everything. But somehow, late in the season, injuries came. We later overcame that and loss of form came late into the campaign," he said.

"Again, we recovered late but then, the damage had been done. If we had won against Kun Khalifat and Warri Wolves, surely, we would have touched our hands on our season's target, which is a ticket back to the continent," Ifejiagwa added.

Experience and youth in balance

In response to those shortcomings, the club have reshaped their squad — releasing some players from last season's roster while bringing in younger, energetic talent to complement the experienced core.

"Some of the players we paraded last season have left. We've equally recruited some young and energetic ones to take their places. You can't buy experience in the market. At the same time, you can't do without youthfulness, energy, skill and speed," Ifejiagwa explained.

He also highlighted the depth of experience within the technical crew, pointing to Management Committee Chairman John Obuh — himself a former player and coach — alongside technical adviser Imama Amapakabo, Ike Shorunmu, and Bethel Orji as key figures behind the scenes.

"So, we hope and we pray, just as we try to work hard for a better performance this coming season, so that we can go back into the continent next season," Ifejiagwa said.

At home in Aba

Despite operating away from their traditional base, Ifejiagwa expressed no concern about using the Enyimba Stadium as their home ground. "I've played football in several countries across Europe. And I've come to understand that with a good pitch, level playing field in terms of officiating, any team can win anywhere," he said.

Governor Dr Alex Otti of Abia State has continued to back the club financially, with Ifejiagwa acknowledging the governor's understanding of the cost burdens involved in the club's current arrangement.

A call for VAR in the NPFL

Ifejiagwa used the opportunity to call on the Nigeria Premier Football League Board — led by Gbenga Elegbeleye and Davidson Owumi — to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the domestic top flight.

"Football is a big business. It's a big industry. And investors are expected to come in. In view of this, I would want the organisers to see the salient need for the introduction of VAR in our league," he said. "If this happens, investors would be encouraged to come in and put their money."

While praising the overall improvement in refereeing standards last season, he noted that some officials still fell short of the required level — making the case for technology as a complement to human judgment.