Warriors Battle Bayelsa United in Crucial NPFL Clash

Abia Warriors will travel to Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Sunday (today) to face Bayelsa United in a crucial matchday 13 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Warriors arrive in Yenagoa on the back of a three-game unbeaten run and are eager to maintain momentum as they aim to secure another continental ticket for a second consecutive season.

Despite dropping two points against Enyimba in last weekend’s Oriental derby, the team remains confident under the guidance of coach Imama Amapakabo. Training sessions this week have focused on tactical discipline, defensive solidity and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities against the home side.

Abia Warriors will be without midfielder Shedrack Asiegbu, winger Ayodele Ezekiel, skipper Augustine Njoku and defender Imoh Obot due to injury, while Emmanuel Ogbuagu is sidelined with a mild illness. Striker Chukwuemeka Obioma is back in the squad and could provide a key boost to the attack.

Bayelsa United, currently 13th on the NPFL table with 15 points from 12 games, return to familiar surroundings seeking to build on last weekend’s goalless draw at Kano Pillars.

The Prosperity Boys have won twice at home this season and will aim for their first consecutive home victories under coach Meremu Okara. Striker Emo James, in fine form, will be central to Bayelsa’s hopes as they look to impose themselves early and test the Warriors’ defensive organisation.

Both sides have struggled with consistency in recent weeks but remain ambitious. Abia Warriors have averaged 0.9 goals per game while conceding 0.6, whereas Bayelsa United have scored at the same rate but allowed 1.1 goals per match.

The historical edge is with Abia, who have won four of the last five league encounters against Bayelsa, including a 1-0 victory in Yenagoa in 2024 and a 1-0 triumph in Umuahia earlier this year.

Adeniji Abdulrahman will referee the clash, assisted by Ahmed Bagudu and Kayode Adeniyi, while Oluwatosin Omotoye will serve as the fourth official.

The clash promises intensity, tactical battles and moments of end-to-end football as both teams look to climb the league table. Bayelsa United will aim to generate momentum heading into the mid-season stretch, while Abia Warriors will seek to reinforce their position in the title race and prove their credentials on the road.

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