Abia Warriors coach Imama Amapakabo says he is hopeful his side will build on their first win of the 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, after thrashing Gbenga Ogunbote’s Sunshine Stars 4-1 on Wednesday in Okigwe.

The Umuahia-based side had endured their worst-ever start to an NPFL campaign – a run of 7 matches without a win, before Wednesday’s emphatic victory.

After losing their first four matches of the season, a three-match ultimatum handed to the former Rangers Int’l coach to improve results looked like the turning point, with the Warriors going unbeaten during the period, recording three draws against FC IfeanyiUbah (away), MFM FC (home) and Lobi Stars (away).

“The win was going to come at a point in time,” a relieved Amapakabo said after the win. “Coming at the 8th week, it was difficult for all of us, but we knew we wanted to play.

“We have played from the 1st to the 7th (Match Day). We have been able to create chances, we were not taking them. And like I told the players, ‘let’s live one day at a time’. We needed one win to be able to go to the next game. The win has come, and we hope that we are going to build it from here.

“Prior to this win, we had three draws, and we’re close every time to these goals, and they were not coming. And the reason why we were not able to get victories in those three games was because we were not able to convert the chances.

“Fortunately, today I think the players came big, and this is the result we have,” the former Super eagles assistant coach said.

Amapakabo’s side will hope to consolidate on the win when they travel to neighbouring Uyo for a Match Day 9 fixture against Dakkada FC on Sunday, 7 February.