Football
Rivers United and Abia Warriors both go head to head in their
penultimate match of the season in Port Harcourt on Sunday with contrasting
objectives.
The hosts will be gunning for their 14th consecutive win at the
Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt knowing they still have a mathematical
chance of emerging NPFL champions this season, at the very first time of
asking.
For the visitors who currently sit three places and two points
above the drop zone, a win over United on Sunday will almost certainly
guarantee safety in the division.
The Warriors come into the game in fine fettle after they claimed
derby spoils with a 3-1 win over champions, Enyimba in a rescheduled game in
midweek.
Head coach of Abia Warriors, Abdullahi Usman Biffo believes his
side can become the first and only one to win in Port Harcourt this season.
“It will be a very massive game for us.
“We do not want to wait until the last day to assure ourselves of
safety (in the NPFL).
“We want to give our all to secure maximum points against Rivers
United so that the last match for us (versus Shooting Stars in Umuahia on
October 2) will be a formality,” Biffo told RIVERS UNITED MEDIA.
Biffo will be relying on trusted talent like Ogbonnaya Okemiri,
Shedrack Asiegbu, Ndifreke Effiong, Chima Uluocha, Bolaji Sakin and Michael
Olaha who impressed against Enyimba four days ago, to produce the goods against
the ‘Pride of Rivers’ on Sunday.
There is good news to report from the camp of Rivers United as the
club’s second top scorer, Guy Kuemian Venance returns to the squad after
missing out on their last league clash against Wikki Tourists because of
suspension.
Club captain, Festus Austin is also in the frame to make a return
after missing out on the last two games following the injury he picked up in
Enugu on September 4.
United’s technical manager, Stanley Eguma knows how crucial a win
against the Warriors is and has predicted a tough game while promising that his
charges will “work hard” to secure maximum points.
“We will work hard. We know that every match is important at this
stage of the season.
“Abia Warriors is a dangerous side because of their current
position on the league standings.
“We will not relent because it’s a home game,” he said.
The game will kick off at 4pm and will be played at the Yakubu
Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Rivers United (last five NPFL
matches)
Rivers United (LWLWL)
Rivers United 0-1 Kano Pillars (A)
Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United (H)
Rivers United 0-4 Enugu Rangers (A)
Rivers United 3-1 Warri Wolves (H)
Rivers United 0-1 Wikki Tourists (A)
Abia Warriors (WWDDL)
Abia Warriors 2-3 Lobi Stars (A)
Abia Warriors 0-0 MFM FC (A)
Abia Warriors 1-1 FCIU (H)
Abia Warriors 2-1 Nasarawa United (H)
Abia Warriors 3-1 Enyimba (H)
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