NPFL: Imama credits tactical switch for Abia Warriors’ win over Bendel Insurance

Abia Warriors' coach, Imama Amapakabo, credited the tactical switch by Bendel Insurance for their 3-0 victory in matchday six. Emmanuel Obioma put the hosts ahead with two goals, while Etta Ikoi scored the third. Amapakabo noted that their opponents altered formation, opting for a 4-2-2 instead of the expected 4-3-3. The switch caught Abia Warriors off guard, especially since they had faced the team in warm-up matches.

Amapakabo explained that the team capitalized on this unexpected change. "We were playing in a 4-2-2 which left their midfield exposed as we occupied our own," he said during a post-match interview. If the win had continued, the score could have been more than five goals up by halftime. Amapakabo also touched on his team's slow start this season, attributing it to significant losses at the end of the previous campaign.

"I rebuild every year and this season, we lost about 18 players, so we are in a phase of rebuilding," he said. While the new recruits are still finding their feet, Amapakabo believes they are gradually understanding the team's philosophy.