Nigeria, Sept 25, 2016 – 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.
Form guide (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)
