Abia Warriors to Host Confederation Cup Ties at Uyo’s Nest of Champions > 자유게시판

Abia Warriors will play their home matches for the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup at the iconic Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, following approval from the Akwa Ibom State Government. The development was confirmed by the Executive Chairman of the Abia Warriors Management Board, John Obuh, in an exclusive chat.

Obuh expressed gratitude to Akwa Ibom’s authorities for granting access to the 30,000-capacity stadium, widely known as the ‘Nest of Champions’. The venue, which meets Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements, has previously hosted high-profile international fixtures, including Nigeria’s Super Eagles matches.

"We are sincerely thankful to the Akwa Ibom State Government for their generosity and support," Obuh said. "This gesture ensures we can host our CAF Confederation Cup games in a facility that meets all technical and safety standards."

Abia Warriors earned their continental debut after reaching the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup, finishing as runners-up to Kwara United. Despite the loss, their qualification marked a historic moment for the Umuahia-based club.

The team is now expected to begin early preparations, with the CAF inter-club season kicking off later this year. Using Uyo’s top-tier stadium offers the club a competitive environment and a larger fan base as they make their maiden appearance on the continental stage.

Editorial

We believe this is a defining moment for Abia Warriors and a commendable act of regional solidarity by the Akwa Ibom State Government. For a club making its debut in African continental football, securing a world-class venue like the Nest of Champions is not just a logistical win it’s a statement of intent.

CAF’s facility standards can often be a hurdle for Nigerian clubs, and rather than let stadium constraints derail their momentum, Abia Warriors have taken a bold step one that keeps their continental dream intact. Obuh’s transparency and gratitude reflect a leadership that understands the broader picture: winning on the pitch starts with strong foundations off it.

We also see this as a chance to grow the club’s appeal beyond Umuahia. Uyo’s football-loving community and modern infrastructure provide a fitting platform for the Warriors to showcase their ambition. at a venue that has seen some of Africa’s best in action could inspire the team to raise its own standards.

This move must now be matched with adequate preparation. Hosting matches is one thing; winning them is another. If Abia Warriors approach the Confederation Cup with the same foresight they’ve shown off the field, they may not just participate they could surprise.

We salute their resolve and look forward to seeing the Nest of Champions roar not just for the Super Eagles, but for one of Nigeria’s rising club sides on the continental stage.

Did You Know?

1. 
   
2. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium was completed in 2014 and meets FIFA and CAF Category A standards.
   
   
3. Nicknamed the 'Nest of Champions', it has hosted World Cup qualifiers, AFCON matches, and club continental ties.
   
   
4. Abia Warriors were founded in 2003 and only reached their first-ever Federation Cup final in 2025.
   
   
5. Uyo is the only Nigerian city to have hosted both CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup matches in the same calendar year.
   
   
6. The stadium's bowl design and floodlighting allow for night matches, a requirement for prime-time CAF fixtures.