As the Matchday 17 fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League take centre stage across match venues in Nigeria this weekend, Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia will brace for the make-or-break Oriental Derby against premier league debutants, Kun Khalifat Football Club of Owerri with the sole aim of returning to winning ways.
The Warriors have been winless in their last five league games, which has triggered a burning desire to turn the tide, as the weight of expectation from fans hangs heavy.
The stakes are high, the battle line has been drawn, and the Warriors will need to bring their experience to bear even as they take note of the youthful energy of the Owerri Boys to avert an upset.
The last time Umu Chineke visited Dan Anyiam Stadium, they left with a victory against Heartland and come Sunday, the pitch will whisper secrets of past victories, and the Warriors will aim to make it speak triumph again.
The Warriors have averaged 0.81 goals (scored) per game and 0.69 goals conceded, whereas the hosts have averaged 1.0 goals (scored) and 1.25 goals conceded.
After 16 games played, the Umuahia warlords are in 5th position on the league table with 24 points, while Kun Khalifat occupy the 18th position with 17 points after playing the same number of games.
*Head To Head*
Both sides are meeting for the first time in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
*Injury Update*
OUT
Ayodele Ezekiel and Skipper Augustine Njoku are still out.
Abia Warriors will lock horns with Kun Khalifat Football Club on Sunday, 14th December 2025, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. Kickoff time is 16:00 hours local time.
