By Christopher Clinton_*

 

After emerging victorious from a gruelling battle against Kano Pillars in Kano, Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia have swiftly shifted attention to their Matchday 22 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), as they prepare to host Nasarawa United Football Club of Lafia at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

 

Buoyed by the hard-earned victory in Kano — their fifth away win of the season — the Umu Chineke Boys are brimming with confidence and determination as they go full throttle against another formidable opponent. The result further underlined the Warriors’ growing maturity on the road and strengthened their resolve to sustain momentum in the title race.

 

However, the home side are fully aware that there is little room for complacency. Having dropped two points in their last home outing and a total of eight points at home this season, Abia Warriors will need to sharpen their cutting edge and tighten their approach as they face the Solid Miners of Lafia in what promises to be an intriguing and entertaining contest.

 

Nasarawa United will arrive in Umuahia with confidence of their own, having edged the Warriors 1–0 in the reverse fixture at the Lafia City Stadium. The visitors are expected to put up a strong fight as they chase a top-three finish, a scenario that adds extra spice to Sunday’s encounter.

 

The clash once again highlights the competitive and unpredictable nature of the NPFL, where fine margins often separate triumph from disappointment, and where teams must consistently raise their game or risk being trampled upon.

 

For Abia Warriors, the message is clear: only maximum points will suffice if their continental ambitions are to remain on track. This reality makes the showdown against Nasarawa United one they will not toy with.

 

After 21 league matches, the Warriors sit second on the NPFL table with 37 points, while Nasarawa United closely trail in fourth position with 35 points, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle between two genuine title contenders.

 

In terms of team news, Yakub Hammed and Ayodele Ezekiel remain the only injury concerns for the Umuahia-based side. There is, however, a boost as Suraj Lawal has returned from injury, while right full-back Augustine Njoku has commenced light training.

 

Statistically, the Umuahia Warlords have averaged 0.86 goals scored per game and conceded 0.57, while the Solid Miners have recorded an average of 0.9 goals scored and 0.7 goals conceded per match — numbers that suggest a tightly contested affair.

 

Abia Warriors will host Nasarawa United at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday, 25 January 2026, in a Matchday 22 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00pm (WAT).