Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo has blamed poor finishing and defensive lapses for his side’s struggles, admitting that the team’s inability to convert chances has continued to cost them points in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The Umuahia-based side twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Doma United in their Matchday 12 encounter in Aba on Sunday, extending their difficult run.

Obioma Chukwumeka scored twice for Abia Warriors, but the hosts were unable to turn their comeback into a victory.

Speaking after the match, Amapakabo expressed frustration with his players’ failure to take their opportunities and their reaction when possession is lost.

“We create the chances, and we are not capitalizing on them. There have been so many moments for us in transition. My players are not reacting well in defensive transition,” he said.

The coach added that finishing and defensive transitions had been recurring problems despite efforts by the technical crew to address them.

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“Something we’ve been working on, you know, and what has bedevilled us mostly has been our finishing and our transition in defence. We’ve done a whole lot on it but still, you know, the players, you know.”

Amapakabo also admitted that his team was fortunate to escape with a point, saying, “We were lucky today; we escaped with a point.”

He further lamented the shortage of reliable goalscorers in his squad, revealing that only one player in a squad of more than 30 regularly converts chances.

The draw left Abia Warriors 19th on the table with 11 points from 12 matches, having recorded two wins, five draws and five defeats.