2023/24 NPFL: Abia State Govt Reiterates Support for Ongoing Restructuring of Abia Warriors FC
August, 14 2023.
The Chairman of Abia Warriors FC, John Ogbu has restated his desire and commitment to make the Umuahia-based Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club a model and reference point, on and off the field of play.
Ogbu, who was appointed Chairman of the club by Governor Alex Otti last month, stated this when speaking with the media in Umuahia, moments after paying the state Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba a courtesy call in his office on Monday.
The former Head Coach to the Flying Eagles and Golden Eaglets of Nigeria, said he also updated the commissioner on the ongoing restructuring at the club, preparation ahead of the kick-off of the 2023/24 NPFL Season and also shared ideas on how he intend to improve on the performances of the club.
Abia Warriors FC, coached by Erasmus Onuh, finished fourth (4th) in Group B of last season's abridged league, and missed out on qualification for the Super Six, with an inferior goals difference to that of Sunshine Stars of Akure.
“I'm here to reassure the honourable commissioner, that I'm passionate about improving Abia Warriors in every aspect. After my appointment, I have been able to hit the ground running, ensuring that there's good rapport between staff, management and players”, the veteran tactician said".
The former Kwara United, Akwa United, Niger Tornadoes and Enugu Rangers FC Coach, expressed satisfaction with the coaching crew and the calibre of players they have recruited so far, preparatory to next season and added that despite him being a renowned coach, neither him, nor any non-coaching staff interfered in the process.
“People keep asking the same question if I will be comfortable working as a club chairman and not interfering with the coaches on technical issues. My answer to that question is that people should understand that coaches are also football administrators, it's only in Nigeria that we don’t see coaches being called football administrators, I have told my coaching crew that they have total control, as regard the technical facets, but as a Chairman or even a supporter of the club, I can also contribute by way of advice. But for emphasis, we have recruited players that we think will help us perform better in the league this season”, the Ohafia-born Coach reiterated.
Receiving the coach, the commissioner for Sports and youth development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba thanked Coach Obuh for his visit, and his ability to update him on the progress made so far in rejuvenating the club.
He then reassured him of the support of his ministry and that of the state government, in the ordious task of repositioning Abia Warriors and Enyimba FC, so that they can run like true professional clubs in every sense.
"As a ministry and as a government, we are not unaware of some of the challenges you may be grappling with at the moment. But again, I say having given you this job, we have a duty to ensure that we provide every support you would need to fully revitalize the club", the Commissioner assured.
Abia Warriors and the nineteen other sides in the NPFL will get to know their opponents for the entire 38-matchdays of the season, when the draws are conducted in Lagos on Thursday night. www.ckdmedia.ng reports.