Abia Warriors Chairman John Obuh Dismisses Rumors of Player Unrest Over FA Cup Bonuses, Expresses Confidence in Imama Amapakabo’s Technical Crew

Abia Warriors FC Chairman, Coach John Obuh, has firmly denied rumors circulating on social media suggesting unrest among the team's players over bonuses awarded after their Federation Cup final appearance. According to these reports, players allegedly felt shortchanged by the N52 million largesse received from the Abia State government and other prominent indigenes. However, Obuh was quick to dismiss these allegations, emphasizing that the club is united and focused on the challenges ahead.

Dismissing the Rumors

Addressing the issue after Abia Warriors' 2-0 defeat to Remo Stars in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season opener, Obuh was unequivocal in his response to the speculation. "There is no truth to these reports," he said, brushing aside the claims as baseless rumors that have no impact on the team’s performance or morale. "I have absolute confidence in Imama and his crew. They have prepared adequately, and I am convinced that they have learned from their mistakes against Remo Stars and will correct them before the next match."

Obuh’s comments underscore his belief in the team's cohesion and determination to improve despite the initial setback. He reassured fans that the management and players remain committed to their objectives, and any suggestion of discontent is far from the truth.

Confidence in the Technical Crew

Obuh’s faith in head coach Imama Amapakabo and his technical crew remains steadfast. He expressed full confidence in their ability to guide the team to a successful season despite the disappointing result against Remo Stars. "We are confident in Imama's leadership," Obuh stated. "The technical crew has analyzed the game against Remo Stars, and they are already working on the necessary adjustments to ensure a stronger performance in our next fixture."

This public backing of the technical crew is critical, especially following a loss that could have sparked further speculation about the team's readiness for the season. By affirming his confidence in Amapakabo and his coaching staff, Obuh has made it clear that the club stands behind its leadership and believes in their vision for the team.

A Slow Start, But Optimism for Recovery

Obuh attributed Abia Warriors’ slow start to the inherent unpredictability of the NPFL, where teams often experience fluctuating fortunes throughout the season. "The league is unique," he observed, "Some teams may start poorly and finish strong, while others might begin well but falter towards the end. It is too early to draw conclusions from one match."

He remains optimistic about the team’s potential to recover and gather momentum as the season progresses. "We have plenty of time to make up for lost points. The players are determined, and I am confident that we will bounce back in our next match," he added. This perspective reflects a long-term approach, recognizing that success in the NPFL often depends on endurance and adaptability over the course of the season.

Clarifying the Federation Cup Bonus Issue

Addressing the rumors of discontent over Federation Cup bonuses, Obuh clarified that each player received their rightful share of the N52 million reward. He urged journalists and the public to exercise caution and verify facts before spreading misinformation. "There is no quarrel or unrest within the team," he affirmed. "It is important for those outside the club to understand how things work before jumping to conclusions."

By shedding light on the matter, Obuh has sought to dispel any misconceptions about financial mismanagement or player dissatisfaction, emphasizing transparency and fairness within the club’s operations.

Looking Ahead: Akwa United Clash

Abia Warriors are set to face Akwa United in their Matchday 2 encounter in Uyo, and Obuh is confident that his team will rise to the occasion. "We are looking forward to the next match against Akwa United," he said. "The players and the technical crew have worked hard to rectify the mistakes from our first game, and we believe we will deliver a much-improved performance."

Obuh’s optimism is shared by the players and coaching staff, who are eager to prove themselves against a formidable opponent. The clash with Akwa United presents an opportunity for Abia Warriors to demonstrate their resilience and ability to compete at the highest level.

Conclusion: United and Determined

Abia Warriors’ Chairman, John Obuh, has made it clear that rumors of player unrest over FA Cup bonuses are unfounded and have no basis in reality. With full confidence in head coach Imama Amapakabo and his technical crew, the club is focused on bouncing back from their opening-day defeat. As they prepare for their next challenge against Akwa United, the message from Obuh is one of unity, determination, and belief in the team’s potential to succeed in the season ahead.