Nigeria, Sept. 23 -- Abia Warriors' maiden campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup began with both promise and pain.

On Sunday, the debutants were denied a dream start after conceding a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Mali's Djoliba AC at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

For head coach Imama Amapakabo, the result was bittersweet.

His side dominated possession, created chances, and nearly secured a historic first-ever continental victory, but a lapse in the closing stages handed the visitors a crucial away goal.

The experienced tactician, who once led Nigeria's U23 and has managed across the NPFL, did not hide from responsibility. Instead, he gave a candid assessment of what went wrong and how his team must respond in the decisive...