Abia Warriors FC have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the Nigeria Premier Football League season, sitting second on the table thanks largely to a formidable defence.
Goals have not come easily for the Umuahia-based side, but their organisation without the ball has made them difficult to beat. Abia Warriors boast the tightest defence in the league, a foundation that has kept them firmly in the title conversation.
Tactically, the Warriors are disciplined. They usually line up in a 4-4-2 system, with two deep-lying midfielders tasked with shielding the back four. That structure has provided consistency and balance, even on days when chances are scarce at the other end.
In goal, experience reigns supreme. Okiemute Odah remains the first-choice goalkeeper at 37 and recently reached the landmark of 300 NPFL appearances. His leadership and reliability continue to be vital, while Ishaku Ali offers solid backup.
At left-back, Faiz Jibrin has been preferred in recent weeks as Imoh Obot battles injury problems. One of the least experienced regulars in the squad, Jibrin has been a quiet revelation and has adapted impressively to top-flight demands.
The central defensive partnership of Adeleke Adekunle and Alalibo Somiari provides authority and composure, with both players having surpassed 100 NPFL appearances. Emmanuel Ogbuagu, who has endured injury setbacks, is expected to challenge for a place in the second half of the campaign. While the unit is strong by league standards, it has not quite matched the impact of last season’s standout defender Collins Nwoburuoke, now with Durban City FC.
On the right, veteran Gabriel Innocent continues to be trusted ahead of Chimezie Augustine Njoku. With more than 200 NPFL games to his name, Innocent’s experience has outweighed youthful promise.
In midfield, Abdullahi Fatai and Innocent Godwin form the preferred defensive pairing. Godwin, in particular, has built on his impressive 2024 to 2025 campaign following his move from Yobe Desert Stars. Depth is provided by Shadrack Asiegbu, Maxwell Kangeshima and Hammed Yakub, all seasoned options capable of stepping in when required.
Out wide, Paul Samson operates on the left and Casmir Nnadozie Azubuike on the right. Samson remains a dependable source of assists, although he has been quieter this season. Azubuike, an NPFL debutant, has shown maturity shaped by his NNL experience with City FC Abuja and Abakaliki FC.
In attack, Sunday Megwo is the focal point. The powerful forward leads the scoring charts with five goals and is usually partnered by either Chukwuemeka Obioma or Suraju Lawal. Megwo enjoyed a more fluid partnership with Antoine Ijoma Desouza last season, but he remains capable of leading the line on his own.
Obioma brings pedigree, having previously starred at Enyimba before spells in Morocco, Ethiopia and Libya. With 44 NPFL goals, he is the most prolific scorer in the squad. Lawal, who caught the eye at Heartland last season, has found life tougher at Abia Warriors but offers versatility across the front line.
On paper, few NPFL sides can boast a stronger attacking trio than Megwo, Obioma and Lawal. If Abia Warriors can find greater consistency in front of goal, their defensive solidity suggests they will remain genuine contenders.
Top scorers: Sunday Megwo 5, Chukwuemeka Obioma 3, Casmir Nnadozie Azubuike 2, Suraju Lawal 2.
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