Abia Warriors got their 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign off to a positive start with a 1-0 home win over Kano Pillars, thanks to a decisive 35th-minute strike from Paul Samson.

 

The hard-fought victory at the Umuahia Township Stadium erased the disappointment of last season’s opening-day defeat to eventual champions Remo Stars and gave the home fans a welcome reason to celebrate.

 

The Warriors fielded six new signings, including former Heartland FC striker Suraj Lawal, who led the attack with promise. Lawal had a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the 21st minute when he broke through on goal but failed to convert with only the goalkeeper to beat.

 

Abia Warriors eventually found the breakthrough 14 minutes later. A corner kick from Paul Samson caused confusion in the Kano Pillars box, and the Cross River State-born forward reacted quickest, stabbing home from close range after a goalmouth scramble to send the home crowd into raptures.

 

The second half saw end-to-end action, with the introduction of forward Chindi Merpring almost paying off for the home side. The former Edel FC player twice came close — first hitting the crossbar in the 63rd minute, then rattling the upright 20 minutes later.

 

Chindi nearly doubled the lead in the 75th minute when he dispossessed goalkeeper Abuchi Okeke outside the box. However, his toe-poked effort rolled just wide of the empty goal, drawing gasps from the home bench and supporters.

 

Despite a late surge from Kano Pillars, the Warriors held firm to secure all three points and begin their season on a high.

 

Abia Warriors will now look to build on this momentum when they travel to face Nasarawa United in Lafia on Matchday 2.