Abia Warriors concluded a two-day training camp on Enyimba’s astro turf in Aba on Tuesday evening, as Imama Amapakabo’s men fine-tuned preparations for their crucial CAF Confederation Cup first-round return leg against Djoliba FC of Mali this weekend in Bamako.
The opening leg ended 1–1 on 21 September at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, leaving the Nigerian side with a difficult task if they hope to secure passage into the second round.
With the return fixture set for a synthetic pitch in Bamako, Abia Warriors deliberately trained on the Enyimba Stadium surface to sharpen their adaptation. Enyimba allowed them access, with coach Stanley Eguma making small adjustments to his side’s schedule to accommodate their neighbours.
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On Wednesday morning, the team departed Umuahia for Lagos en route to Mali. "We’ve trained on the synthetic pitch in Aba. We’re now on our way to Lagos, and from there we’ll travel to Mali," striker Sunday Megwo explained.
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"We’ve a mission to accomplish in Mali. We won’t disappoint Nigerians," he added confidently.
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Editorial
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We see this decision by Abia Warriors as a clear sign of strategic thinking. Too often, Nigerian clubs enter away fixtures in continental competition unprepared for the nuances of different playing conditions. By simulating the Bamako surface at Enyimba’s ground, Amapakabo’s men have sought to remove one of the key excuses that can derail a result. It is a small but crucial step toward professional preparation.
The 1–1 draw at home has left the team in a tight position. Scoring away from home in Mali will now be paramount, and the adaptation to synthetic turf could help the forwards adjust their runs, shots, and balance. Synthetic pitches demand different footwork and place added strain on muscles and joints. Training in Aba, therefore, is as much about physical preparation as it is about mental readiness.
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We also admire the collaboration between Enyimba and Abia Warriors. Nigerian football often suffers from internal rivalries that undermine progress. Here, we see an example of solidarity—Eguma adjusting his club’s routine so Warriors could use the surface. This is how begins: clubs recognising that international representation reflects on the league as a whole.
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Ultimately, preparation is one thing, but execution on the day will decide everything. Abia Warriors must combine discipline, concentration, and boldness in Bamako if they are to defy the odds. We believe that their willingness to prepare diligently offers hope that Nigerians will have something to cheer about on Saturday.
Did You Know?
Djoliba AC are Mali’s most successful football club, with over 20 national league titles to their name.
The Enyimba International [Stadium](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/merchandising-and-branding/nigerian-striker-officially-joins-fc-nantes-feminine-from-galatasaray/) in Aba has a FIFA-approved synthetic pitch, one of the few in [Nigeria](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/news/) used regularly for top-flight football.
CAF Confederation Cup matches often switch between natural grass and artificial turf, which can significantly affect ball speed and bounce.
Nigerian clubs have historically struggled in Mali, with very few victories recorded in competitive away fixtures there.
Imama Amapakabo previously led Rangers International to a Nigerian league title in 2016, making him one of the few coaches to achieve that in recent years.