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By Abayomi Ademola
Abia Warriors have suspended head coach Imama Amapakabo and his assistant Bethel Oji from all club activities with immediate effect, following allegations that the duo repeatedly defied management directives on team selection.
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu, who serves as the club’s goalkeeping coach, has been instructed to take charge of the team’s operations along with his assistants until further notice.
The suspension follows incidents relating to two recent matches – the FA Cup semi-final against Ahudiyannem FC and a league clash against Kun Khalifat. Management sources allege that despite clear directives from club officials regarding changes to the starting lineup in both matches, Amapakabo and Oji ignored the instructions completely.
The FA Cup tie against Ahudiyannem proved a bitter exit for the Warriors, who dominated possession but failed to capitalize on their opportunities and ultimately crashed out of the competition, a result that reportedly deepened the fracture between the club’s coaching staff and hierarchy. The league match against Kun Khalifat only widened that gap.
The development is a dramatic fall from grace for Amapakabo, who only last July committed to staying at the club for the 2025/26 season after rejecting an approach from Kano Pillars. His decision to stay was described at the time as a sign of continuity and stability for the Umuahia team.
