Players back Imama as axe dangles over Warriors coach

Abia Warriors players have voiced their support for manager Imama Amapakabo after the three-match ultimatum handed the gaffer by the club’s management board ended on Sunday.

Imama was given the ultimatum after match-day four, but Warriors drew their following three games against MFM, IfeanyiUbah and Lobi Stars in Makurdi, where Imama alleged he was slapped twice by a fan following the 0-0 stalemate.

They however bounced back, defeating visiting Sunshine Stars 4-1 on Wednesday, their first victory this season.

With the victory, the Umuahia-based club have now moved up to 18th on the NPFL log with six points.

Team captain, Austin Obaroakpo, who spoke on behalf of the players, pleaded with the management to give Imama more time.

Obaroakpo said, “From all indications, we the players still want Imama in charge of the team and we hope the management will give him more time.

“The coach has a positive mind and he believes the team can do it. He talks a lot to us and we have faith in him.”

Media officer of the team, Nwozu Chigozie, added, “There is no official statement from the management yet but the players still want Imama to continue as the head coach.”

Meanwhile, Patrick Nwaogu, the club’s Sporting Director says there is no cause for alarm over the future of Imama.

“There is nothing yet as regards the future of Imama. One thing people need to understand is that the ultimatum is to make everybody sit up, not just the coach alone. It includes the players so that they can get things done. There is no cause for alarm.”