The date of the match day 21 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game between Enyimba International FC and Rivers United FC has been moved by 24 hours.
The game originally scheduled to hold on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at the Umuahia Township Stadium will now be played on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at the same venue.
Two other NPFL clubs, Abia Warriors and Ikorodu United are billed to clash in another match day 21 NPFL game at the same venue on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 and that has necessitated the change in date of the fixture between Enyimba and Rivers United.
The League Management Company (LMC), through Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar has since ratified the dates and venue of both games.
Enyimba vs Rivers United match moved
Rivers United beat Enyimba 1-0 in the reverse fixture in Port Harcourt in February.
United currently occupies second spot in the NPFL table with 34 points from 19 matches while Enyimba are fifth with 30 points from 18 matches.
Very few saw this coming but Rivers United are the champions of the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season-at the half way stage.
It has been an intense, bruising, exhilarating and sometimes, dramatic first half of the campaign from our perspective.
Rivers United Media now x-rays the first 19 matches of our season and how we were crowned champions at the half way stage.
We started the season with an important fixture at home to the champions, Enyimba International.
Many questioned our temperament for the big game but we got it right on the day.
Rivers United Team.
MD 1 Rivers United 1-0 Enyimba (Yakubu Gowon Stadium. Sunday, February 21)
The champions, Enyimba arrived in Port Harcourt in all their glory seeking maximum points at a ground where they had claimed much joy in previous seasons.
It was a well-fought contest which the People’s Elephants dominated for long stretches especially in the first half.
We waited for our moment and it arrived in the 65th minute when pint-sized midfielder, Obomate Frederick curled home a free kick from 25-odd yards.
The former Sharks FC man was ecstatic after the goal (the first in the history of the club in a competitive game) and identified hard work and painstaking practice as the reasons for his success from set pieces.
“(Before I took the free kick), I knew the hour had come (to score). I scored from a similar position against Warri Wolves and Enugu Rangers (last season).
“I give God the glory for the goal because I knew I was going to score.
“I practice free kicks in training and Deco was the player I learn from, just by watching him on television,” Obomate told Rivers United media after the game.
Obomate Frederick
MD 2; MFM FC 2-1 (Agege Stadium, Lagos. Wednesday February 24)
We suffered a lot in this one with most of our top performers failing to turn up until the second half.
MFM raced to a 2-0 lead inside the opening 25 minutes under sweltering conditions at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.
Ifeanyi Ifeanyi converted a penalty for the hosts in the 18th minute after Sikiru Olatunbosun was fouled in the box by our captain, Festus Austin.
Olatunbosun doubled the hosts’ lead in the 24th minute following an electrifying counter attack that left our rear guard reeling.
We were truly mediocre in that first half and could easily have shipped in more goals.
MFM, in stark contrast, were flying and could easily have added two more goals before the break with our big defender, Joseph Douhadji making a goal line
clearance off a Musa Newman chip in the 31st minute while Olatunbosun had a rocket beaten out unconventionally by Rotimi in the 37th minute.
We improved after the restart following the introduction of fearsome attacker, Guy Kuemian.
The Ivoirian who was making his debut, crossed with pin point accuracy for Obomate to head home, reduce the deficit midway into the second period.
Our right back, Chigozie Ihunda was extremely unlucky not bring us back on level terms moments later when his fierce strike clattered against the post with the MFM goalkeeper, James Aiyeyemi well-beaten.
The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for our gaffer, Stanley Eguma who bemoaned our slow start to the game.
“We were just not in the game in the first half. We improved in the second half but this is a lesson for us and we will learn from this,” he said.
Asamoah
MD 3; Rivers 2-0 FC Ifeanyi Ubah (Yakubu Gowon Stadium. February 28)
This was our easiest game till date. We bossed this one and scored either side of the break through Ihunda and Obomate (his third in consecutive matches) to close out a routine win.
Ihunda’s goal was scored in fortuitous circumstances as his left-footed strike deflected wickedly past a stranded FCIU goalkeeper, Edwin Nwakanma.
Our Ghanaian forward, Wilson Andoh provided the assist for the second goal as his cross from the right was headed in by Obomate in cold blooded fashion.
Obomate was rewarded for his performances by the League Bloggers as he won the LBA player of the month award for February.
“I am shocked but very happy to win the award.
“Shocked because I was not expecting to win with so many good players in the league and happy because it means hard word is appreciated.
“This means a lot to me but it will not get into my head.
“I will continue working hard to improve and also help Rivers United get a continental position at the end of the season,” he said.
Rivers United
MD 4; Giwa FC 2-1 Rivers United (Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos. March 2)
It still beggars belief how we did not win this game. That we lost is even more surprising as Giwa appeared to be second best for most parts.
We dominated for large stretches despite Moses Opitoke’s sixth minute opener, scored against the run of play, for the hosts.
Sunday Daniel scored the second for Giwa FC, also against the run of play in the 73rd minute but we hit back in stoppage time through Godbless Asamoah whose effort represented nothing more than scant consolation.
The gaffer, Eguma was philosophical in his chat with our club’s media team after the game.
“We cannot complain too much. It was a strange game but when you don’t take your chances, you lose,” he said.
MD 5; Rivers United 1-0 Nasarawa United (Yakubu Gowon Stadium. Sunday, March 6)
Games like these give you the impression that it could just be ‘your season’.
This was our most dramatic game till date.
The celebrations at full time were wild, deeply emotional and nothing short of manic as Kuemian struck with the last kick of the game to secure maximum points for the ‘Pride of Rivers’.
Nasarawa United came into the game with no points on the board after their first three games but Kabiru Dogo’s charges fought hard to claim a share of the spoils.
Their frustrating tactics almost earned them a point which would have been deserved in the end but Kuemian had other ideas.
He struck an opportunistic winner at the death which sent the fans wild as United claimed a heart-warming and crucial win.
Our captain, Austin said the win was more significant than the ‘normal three points’.
“This win is more than the normal three points. When you win games like these, it means something special will happen at the end of the season.
“I have been in football long enough to know this,” he said.
RIVERS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB,
MD 6; Niger Tornadoes 3-2 Rivers United (Confluence Stadium, Lokoja. Sunday, March 13)
This was a match for the ages; a truly special contest that had the pulses racing.
Unfortunately, we lost by the odd goal in five after going three goals down inside an hour as Ismaila Gata, Gabriel Wassa and Jackson Daniel all netted for the home side.
A late fight back saw us reduce the deficit to 2-3 following goals from Daniel Israel and Kuemian but it proved to be too little too late for us as we lost yet again on the road.
“We made individual and collective mistakes.
“We tried to come back late in the game but the damage had already been done, earlier in the game,” our gaffer, Eguma said afterwards.
Rivers United’s Technical crew
MD 7; 3SC 1-0 Rivers United (Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan. March 19)
We fought like Gladiators in the second half despite having one of our defenders, Ofem Inah sent off for a straight red card five minutes before half time.
Wasiu Jimoh scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after Inah was penalized for upending Nojeem Olukokun.
Inah was shown a straight red card for tripping the 3SC man.
We came close to scoring on several occasions in the first half with Chukwunonso Okonkwo smashing a right-footed shot against the post in the 19th minute.
Kuemian also came close to scoring for us in the 15th minute while Yusuf Jaiyeola’s second half header which went narrowly wide represented our last chance of the half.
Despite the defeat, our performance attracted words of adulation from the 3SC coach, Kadiri Ikhana.
“No doubt about it (Rivers United is a good team). If you combine Sharks and Dolphins FC (both clubs were merged to form Rivers United), you will have a great force.
“By the time the team blends, they will play better than this; I have no doubts about it,” Ikhana told RIVERS UNITED MEDIA after the game.
MD 8; Rivers United 0-0 Sunshine Stars (Yakubu Gowon Stadium. Wednesday, March 23)
We dropped points for the first time at home this season against a stubborn Sunshine Stars side that came to Port Harcourt with a clear game plan-get at least a point at all costs.
Kuemian missed a sitter from two yards out, very early in the first half and it set the tone for a frustrating day in the office when we frittered away a plethora of chances.
On a day we dropped to 11th on the NPFL standings, our gaffer, Eguma explained that the team still needed to bond as a compact unit.
“We have not really started playing as a cohesive unit.
“I believe we will get it right in the shortest possible time,” he said.
Sunday Rotimi
MD 9: Ikorodu United FC 2-3 Rivers United (Onikan Stadium, Lagos. Sunday, March 23)
We finally got it right on the road this season with our gaffer, Eguma opting to start three strikers, Kuemian, Andoh and Okonkwo against the Lagos side.
The three attackers all netted in the first half to cancel out Ifegwu Ojukwu’s brace.
Eguma was pleased with the win but insisted our lads will keep their feet firmly on the ground.
“This is not the time to celebrate. The league is a marathon and not a sprint.
“We must continue to work hard and stay humble because we have not achieved anything yet,” he said.
Guy Kuemian Venance
MD 10; Rivers United 1-0 El Kanemi Warriors (Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Wednesday, April 6)
We won consecutive games for the first time this season against a difficult opponent.
Daniel Israel came off the bench to telling effect as he squared for Okonkwo to tap home from a yard in the 66th minute to secure maximum points.
We were poor, offensively in the first half despite dominating poor and forcing no less than 15 corner kicks in the opening stanza.
However, we produced our best second half display of the season could easily have scored three or four.
The win saw us rise to fifth on the standings with 16 points, just three adrift of the leaders, FC Ifeanyi Ubah.
Our gaffer was pleased with our performance.
“It was important to win this game after that victory in Lagos but we have to continue working hard,” he said.
MD 11; Heartland 2-1 Rivers United (Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. Sunday, April 10)
A very difficult game in Owerri which we lost by the odd goal in three.
Anthony Oussou and Onyebuchi Ajunwa both netted for the Naze Millionaires while our goal which was scored by Okonkwo, was nothing more than scant consolation in the end.
Our Ivoirian marksman, Guy Kuemian suffered a serious injury-a strain of the left quadriceps- in this game and would end up being side-lined for more than a month.
Heartland deserved to win this one and their head coach, Alphonsus Dike summed it up aptly in the end.
“It was a keenly-contested game and a good result for us.
“My boys were able to adapt to the situation; they played the way they were supposed to in the end.
“They did well,” Dike told Rivers United Media shortly after the game.
Chinonso Okonkwo Of Rivers United In Action against Kano Pillars
MD 12; Rivers United 1-0 Kano Pillars (Yakubu Gowon Stadium. Sunday, April 17)
This was billed as our second real test of the season (after our opening day win over Enyimba) and once again, we proved to be the masters at handling big occasions.
It was also the day when Bernard Ovoke announced himself as a man to be feared and respected, in equal measure.
The ‘Magic Seven’ netted the game’s decisive goal in the 78th minute, nine minutes after he was introduced as a second half substitute, following a defensive mix up in the Pillars defence.\
The win over Sai Masu Gida was vital with our gaffer, Eguma explaining that painstaking pre-match preparations saw us claim bragging rights in the end.
Gambo, Austin and officials
“I had been monitoring Kano Pillars for a while now and I know how they play.
“They play a possession-based game with a view of running down the clock in away games but in the end, our tactical plans worked to perfection,” he said.
Guy Kuemian
MD 13; Plateau United 2-1 Rivers United (Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos. Sunday, April 24)
Our second visit to the Rwang Pam Stadium ended in heartbreak as Plateau United claimed a late winner in an intense game.
Benjamin Turba gave the hosts an early lead but we hit back through Okonkwo whose looping header, nine minutes from the end gave us hope of claiming a share of the spoils.
An unfortunate own goal by Sunday Rotimi at the death however handed the home side maximum points.
“We should have gotten a point or even all three today but we lost it (at the death).
“We must put that behind us now and look ahead to the next game,” our gaffer, Eguma said afterwards.
Invaluable words as we would face the best team in the league (at that point)- Enugu Rangers, in our next game.
RIVERS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB,
MD 14: Rivers United 3-1 Enugu Rangers (Yakubu Gowon Stadium. May 1, 2016)
With the benefit of hindsight, this was the most important game we played so far this season.
If we had lost, it very likely would have knocked the wind off our sails!
The bookies gave the game to Rangers long before kick-off, but we produced a devastating display of the highest quality to tear the form books to shreds.
Missing no less than four of our first choice strikers, Okonkwo (due to suspension), Kuemian, Andoh and Godbless Asamoah (as a result of varying degrees of injury), we prosecuted the game without any recognizable striker.
Ovoke however lived up to the occasion, pulling the strings and helping himself to a first half brace.
Christian Weli scored a spectacular goal as we ran riot in a frenzied first half.
Olalekan Gabriel inadvertently diverted a cross into his own goal (the first and only time we conceded at home in the first half this season) in the first minute of the second half to briefly give Rangers hope of an unlikely comeback.
It was however the closest the ‘Flying Antelopes’ came to getting any joy in Port Harcourt with Ihunda and Kola Anubi spurning excellent opportunities to add to our lead late on.
“When I realized that all of my strikers were unavailable, I decided to draft Ihunda as the main striker because I knew he could do a good job.
“He did not disappoint but everyone in the team played well.
“Like I will always say, nobody at Rivers United is getting carried away because we have achieved nothing this season.
“We know what our objectives are and we will continue to work harder to achieve it,” Eguma said after the game.
MD 15: Warri Wolves 0-1 Rivers United (Warri City Stadium, Warri. May 8, 2016)
We recorded our second win on the road in deserved fashion against an excellent Wolves side.
Ovoke was the goal scoring hero for us as he side-footed home calmly from close range following good work from Asamoah and Okonkwo.
The ‘Magic Seven’ almost scored our second in the 72nd minute but drew his shot marginally wide off (Wolves’ goalkeeper) Dele Ajiboye’s left hand post, after taking the entire Wolves back line to the cleaners.
The electrifying winger was given a standing ovation by the home fans when he was eventually substituted in the 80th minute-a just reward for a barn storming display.
“I was pleased to have received a standing ovation from the Warri Wolves fans.
“Right now, I am doing well, but I am still not yet back to my best. I was playing a lot better when I was at (former club) Bayelsa United but slowly, I am getting back there,” Ovoke told
Rivers United moments after the game.
Olalekan fires United past Tourists
MD 16: Rivers United 1-0 Wikki Tourists (Yakubu Gowon Stadium. May 8, 2016)
Gabriel Olalekan was the unlikeliest of heroes for us in this one as his first half header off an Ovoke delivery saw us climb from sixth to second of the log.
We had to dig deep against the side with the best attacker in the league- Godwin Obaje- knowing that we playing without two first choice defenders; Ihunda and our inspirational captain, Festus Austin.
“Missing out on the services of Austin and Ihunda made the game very difficult for us.
“The captain has been very inspirational for us.
“However, we had to show a lot of maturity and character in the game and that gave us the win,” our gaffer, Eguma told Rivers United Media after the tension-soaked game.
Ladan Bosso and Rivers United Gaffer Stanley Eguma
MD 17: Abia Warriors 1-0 Rivers United (Umuahia Township Stadium. May 15, 2016)
This was the worst game we played in the first half of the season largely because there was little football to be played!
A terrible water-logged pitch in Umuahia clearly inhibited both
sides from playing any real football.
Michael Olaha scored the game’s decisive goal on 24 minutes but it failed to paper the cracks on what was a very ugly game of football not helped by a shocking playing surface in Umuahia.
Even the Abia Warriors coach, Kennedy Boboye complained about the state of the pitch after the game.
“We could not do what we were supposed to do because the pitch was water-logged.
“As a result, we had to alter our game plan by playing the ball into our opponents’ half and fighting them there,” Boboye explained tepidly to Rivers United Media moments after the game.
MD 18: Rivers United 1-0 Akwa United (Yakubu Gowon Stadium. May 18, 2016)
We beat an excellent Akwa United side 1-0 in Port Harcourt with Ovoke netting the winner in the fifth minute.
Clear cut opportunities were few and far between in the contest but we almost doubled our lead on the stroke of half time.
Ovoke’s teasing ball, following exceptional work by Obomate found an unmarked Asamoah on the left but the Ghanaian skied his volley wide to the anguish of the home faithful.
Obomate missed a gilt-edged opportunity in the second half as Akwa pressed, unsuccessfully, for a late equalizer.
“We lost a lot of balls in midfield today and that allowed our opponents to put us under a lot pressure.
“The reason for this is that our players still have not recovered from the exertions of our previous game against Abia Warriors (in Umuahia on May 15) which a very difficult game.
“However, it is important to win games like this and I am pleased we did it,” our gaffer, Eguma said after the hard-fought win.
Rivers United vs Lobi Stars
MD 19: Lobi Stars 1-0 Rivers United (Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi. May 22, 2016)
A game of great drama.
Ovoke had two excellent chances in the first half-the second, a left-footed shot which was cleared off the line- but we were clearly second best in a first stanza which could have seen Lobi easily go four goals up.
The home side eventually took the lead on the hour after the referee awarded them a penalty after ruling that our captain, Festus Austin had handled in the penalty area.
Sunday Ekleche made no mistakes as he fired past our goal keeper, Sunday Rotimi from 12 yards.
We were awarded a penalty of our own in the final minute of added time after Moses Bunde stopped Christian Weli’s goal-bound effort with his arm.
Okonkwo however buckled under immense pressure and fired his penalty high and wide.
“The Lobi side started game better in the first half, attacking and trying to get goals but my players showed a lot of character, absorbing the pressure and stopping them from scoring.
“We played better in the second half and should have scored even before they got the penalty but unfortunately it was not to be,” our gaffer Eguma said afterwards.
Rivers United Coach, Stanley Eguma
HALF TIME VERDICT BY THE GAFFER
This were the words of our technical manager in his assessment of our performance in the first half of the season.
“So far so good for Rivers United.
“The beginning of the season was extremely difficult for us but things changed as the season wore on.
“We started getting (positive) results and right now, we are top of the table.
“While I admit that these are good times for us, we will not relent in our efforts.
“We are not going to start singing and dancing because this is not the time to celebrate.
“Technically, we can still be relegated so we will continue fighting with every game until the end of the season.
“Enyimba and Rangers have outstanding matches and will (leap frog us) if they get wins in their matches.
“Kano Pillars are also in contention too so nothing has been decided yet,” Eguma submitted.
Rivers United is currently top of the NPFL standings with 31 points from 18 matches.
Rivers State Commissioner for Sport, Honourable Boma Iyaye has commended Rivers United and Go Round FC following respective victories recorded in the round of 64 of the Federation Cup on Wednesday.
Rivers United overcame Papilo FC 4-3 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo while Go Round beat Yobe Desert Stars 3-1 at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.
Honourable Iyaye said the Government is pleased with the wins recorded by the two representatives of Rivers State in their opening games of Nigeria’s oldest football competition.
He also urged them not to relent in their efforts to bring the trophy to Rivers State this year.
“I want to congratulate Rivers United and Go Round FC for their victories on Wednesday.
“They should however not relent but continue to keep the flag flying and bring the trophy to the State.
“It is the dream of the Rivers State Government to see both Rivers United and Go Round FC play in the final of this year’s Federation Cup,” Honourable Iyaye said.
Rivers United and Go Round FC have now qualified for the round of 32 of the competition.
The first round of the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season comes to a close on Sunday with one of the stand out fixtures billed to take place in Makurdi.
Lobi Stars face the leaders, Rivers United at the Aper Aku Stadium in a contest that should intrigue and excite in equal measure.
Kingsley Eduwo and Anthony Okpotu have been two of Lobi’s most impressive performers this season but they miss out on Sunday’s fixture as they are both suspended.
Okpotu, Lobi’s main outlet for goals this term (he has ensured the net bulged nine times this season) says United should not be lulled into a false sense of security as a result of his absence.
Rivers United Team.
“My teammates will miss me (on Sunday) but I am very confident in the players who will replace me and my strike partner, Eduwo.
“I believe the other strikers (who get selected to play) will step up to the plate.
“It hurts not to play in such an important game but there is nothing anyone can do now,” Okpotu told Rivers United Media.
Lobi Stars head coach, Godwin ‘Koko’ Uwua, also took the time to discuss the suspension of Okpotu and Eduwo, explaining that it does not set the cat among the pigeons for his side.
“The boys are important to me quite alright but without them, the team can still move on and that is why we registered 30 players for the season.
“And for me, the first 20 of these 30 players (registered by Lobi Stars for this season’s NPFL campaign) are extremely important but this is a chance for those that don’t get to play regularly to prove themselves.
“They now have a chance to prove to me that they deserve to be in the team ahead of players like Eduwo and Okpotu.
“This is actually a good situation for me,” Uwua added.
Lobi Stars, currently six points adrift of United, will considerably close the gap on their guests with a win on Sunday.
The ‘Ortom Boys’ have impressed with solid results this term and Uwua puts it down to a burning desire of his players to put financial rewards away from the front burner.
“My philosophy is simple. I have taught the boys how to be winners.
“Before we signed up any player, we made him understand he was coming here to work and not because of money.
“The objective is to put smiles on the faces of Benue people (Lobi Stars is owned by the Benue State Government).
Lobi’s opponents on Sunday, Rivers United, have punched above their weight this season.
The ‘Pride of Rivers’, formed just three months and three days ago, astonishingly sit top of the NPFL log and only 90 minutes separate them from being crowned champions at the halfway mark of the season.
Talk of a title push has however been quickly quelled by the technical manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma.
“Talking about us winning the title at this stage of the season is an insult to all the other teams in the league.
“It is still too early to start talking about such things because we have not even gotten to the half way stage of the season.
“There are still so many games to be played but our objectives are clear to us.
“We will continue working hard and taking things one game at a time,” he said.
Obomate Frederick
Eguma is still without first choice defenders, Yaovi Douhadji and Chigozie Ihunda while Ghanaian marksman, Godbless Asamoah who suffered a hamstring strain in midweek did not travel to Makurdi.
Ivoirian star, Guy Kuemian however made a welcome return to first team action when he played for the first time since April 10 in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Akwa United in Port Harcourt.
Eguma knows a win in Makurdi will see United open up a lead at the summit of the standings but acknowledges that his side are underdogs going into Sunday’s fixture.
“Lobi Stars are the favourites in this game because they have been impressive this season and will have their fans behind them (on Sunday).
“However, before we played against Warri Wolves (in Warri on May 8), nobody gave us a chance to win but we did.
“So we will go to Makurdi with the same spirit and hopefully, come back to Port Harcourt with maximum points.
“My players understand the task at hand and I have implicit trust in them,” he said.
Rivers United have won four of their last five games but will need to raise the stakes even higher to get anything from the fixture against Lobi, a side yet to suffer a home reverse this season.
Bernard Ovoke struck his fifth goal of the season as Rivers United beat Akwa United 1-0 in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) contest on Wednesday.
Ovoke’s strike, in the fifth minute of the game, took a wicked deflection off Harrison Ibukun to hoodwink the Akwa United goal keeper, Bassey Akpan. Clear cut opportunities were few and far between in the contest but the hosts almost doubled their lead on the stroke of half time.
Akwa United
Ovoke’s teasing ball, following exceptional work by Obomate Frederick found Godbless Asamoah on the left but the Ghanaian skied his volley wide to the anguish of the home faithful. Rivers United had the first real goal scoring opportunity after the break, on the hour with Obomate shockingly firing over from 14 yards with just Bassey at his mercy.
Akwa’s best chance arrived eight minutes before the restart when Ukaeme Davies headed over from close range after Friday Ubong expertly set him up with a cross. Daboere Dokubo, the Akwa United manager expressed satisfaction with the performance of his wards despite the defeat in Port Harcourt.
“We were not able to (take) the chances that came our way but they were able to take that early chance that they had.
“That was the difference today. Apart from that, I am happy with my boys even though we lost,” Dokubo told Rivers United Media after the game.
Technical manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma said his team did not play well despite claiming all three points.
“We lost a lot of balls in midfield today and that allowed our opponents to put us under a lot pressure.
“The reason for this was that our players still have not recovered from the exertions of our previous game against Abia Warriors (in Umuahia on Sunday) which a very difficult game.
“However, it is important to win games like this and I am pleased we did it,” he said.
The win lifts Rivers United up to second on the NPFL standings with 31 points from 18 matches while Akwa drop to seventh with 27 points from 18 matches.
Gabriel Olalekan struck just before the half hour to give Rivers United a 1-0 win over Wikki Tourists in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
United were without captain, Festus Austin and right back, Chigozie Ihunda who missed out due to suspension and injury respectively.
It however did not deter the hosts from dictating the play and dominating possession in the opening stages of the contest decided at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.
In a first half of very few clear-cut chances, United scored the winner via a set piece delivered by Bernard Ovoke with Olalekan rising highest to head home from close range.
It turned out to be the winning goal of the game with United now winning three games on the spin for the first time this season.
Technical manager, Stanley Eguma was full of praises for his charges after the win.
“Missing out on the services of Austin and Ihunda made the game very difficult for us.
“The captain has been very inspirational for us.
“However, we had to show a lot of maturity and character in the game and that gave us the win,” Eguma told Rivers United Media.
Olalekan fires United past Tourists
The Wikki Tourists coach, Abdul Maikaba on his part, praised United for the win but identified the failure of his players to recover from the setback of conceding in the first half as one of the main reasons for the defeat.
“We started the game well but conceding that goal demoralized my players.
“But take nothing away from Rivers United because they are a very good side,” he said.
The win on Wednesday moves Rivers United from sixth to second on the NPFL standings with 28 points from 16 matches.
Wikki dropped from fourth to sixth on the log with 25 points from 15 matches.
Rivers United return to action on Wednesday after their stunning 1-0 away success over Warri Wolves on match day 15 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
A big win over the Tourists in Port Harcourt could see sixth-placed United go top of the NPFL standings (if other results go their way) for the first time this season.
It seems more of a possibility rather than wishful thinking as all five sides above United on the NPFL log navigate banana-skin road trips on match day 16.
However, claiming the scalp of the visitors will be no easy feat.
In head coach, Abdul Maikaba, Wikki Tourists can boast of a purist, a lover of aesthetic football, whose side play the positive way.
A well-known FC Barcelona fan, Maikaba has instilled the principle of possession based football in his side.
“Our coach (Maikaba) is an FC Barcelona fan. He insists that we keep the ball on the ground and pass it from the back.
“He hates long passes with a passion and wants us to have more possession than our opponents irrespective of where we play,” Tourist striker, Godwin Obaje said to Rivers United Media.
Rivers United’s Technical crew
Maikaba has the individuals blessed with the talents to play a possession-based game.
In Emeka Nwabulu, Waziri Christopher, Harrison Madu, Peter Ambrose, Guda Mohammed and striker, Obaje, Maikaba has a solid core of a talented team.
Obaje has turned more than a few heads this term and is the league’s top scorer with eight goals.
“I have not set any target for myself as regards the number of goals I want to score this season.
“All I try to do is contribute my quota, continue scoring the goals and see that I help my team achieve our objectives at the end of the season.
“The good thing about our team is that most of the players have been together for more than two seasons and we understand how our coach wants us to play.
“I personally don’t know anything about Rivers United because I have not watched them play this season,” Obaje said.
Rivers United are slight favourites to win going by their recent form which has seen them win two games on the bounce for only the second time this season.
In Bernard Ovoke, United have probably the league’s most inform attacker (the former Bayelsa United man has scored three goals in his last two games).
United attack with verve and purpose but their strongest point is probably a water-tight defence that has yet to ship in a goal scored by an opposition player at their fortress-the Yakubu Gowon Stadium-venue for Wednesday’s game.
Right back (and auxiliary striker in recent games), Chigozie Ihunda will miss out on the game as he is yet to recover from a knee injury he sustained in the 1-0 win over Warri Wolves on Sunday.
Ihunda’s absence is one that United’s technical manager, Stanley Eguma has described as a big blow.
“It is a very big blow for us because Ihunda has been a very key member of the team.
“Losing him now is a big problem for us but then, we have other players in the team that can take over.
“We didn’t build the team around any one player. “We will miss Ihunda but it is not going to affect our performance,” Eguma said.
Rivers United
There is however good news across the horizon as strikers, Wilson Andoh and Guy Kueian both return from injury.
Eguma will be looking to mastermind a third consecutive win for his side for only the first time this season with success on Wednesday.
Wednesday’s game between the two sides promises to be an exciting affair full of flair and technique with the stakes as high as can be.
Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Honourable Iyaye has charged players and officials of Rivers United to gun for this season’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title.
United have been in impressive form in recent weeks, dispatching the log leaders, Enugu Rangers 3-1 in Port Harcourt on May 1 before following it up with a 1-0 victory over Warri Wolves on Sunday.
While addressing the players and officials of the team upon their return from Warri following Sunday’s win over Warri Wolves, the Commissioner urged them to reciprocate the gesture of the Governor by winning the 2015/16 NPFL title.
“The Governor has shown he is a man of action and a man of how words by ensuring that your priority is placed at the top burner.
Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Honourable Boma Iyaye
“I am urging you all to reciprocate this commendable gesture by ensuring that you go all out to win this season’s NPFL title.
“If this feat is achieved, it will go a long way in putting smiles on the faces of all Rivers people and also justify the huge investment in the club,” Honourable Iyaye said.
Rivers United currently occupies sixth spot in the NPFL standings with 25 points from 15 matches, three points adrift of the leaders, Enugu Rangers.
Bernard Ovoke’s second half strike condemned Warri Wolves to their first home defeat of the season as Rivers United claimed the spoils in a tightly-fought Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) contest on Sunday.
Ovoke’s goal against Wolves at the Warri City Stadium, his third in two games, was the end product of good work by Chinonso Okonkwo and Godbless Asamoah for the visiting side following a devastating counter attack.
The home side had their moments, particularly in the first half but poor marksmanship from Uremu Egbeta and particularly King Osanga, let them down.
United however had the best chance of the half and it arrived on 24minutes when Obomate Frederick’s goal bound effort was cleared off the line by the Wolves captain, Goodluck Onamado.
Auxiliary striker, Chigozie Ihunda hurt his left knee in the build-up following a clash with the Wolves goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye and had to be stretchered off.
The Wolves attackers continued to pour forward in numbers after the restart but found the two United centre halves, Festus Austin and Olalekan Gabriel in uncompromising mood.
The visitors continued to look menacing on the break and finally got their reward through Ovoke who tapped home Asamoah’s cross from the right from close range, ten minutes after the break.
Ovoke almost scored a second for United in the 72nd minute but drew his shot marginally wide off Ajoboye’s left hand post, after taking the entire Wolves back line to the cleaners.
The electrifying winger was given a standing ovation by the home fans when he was eventually substituted in the 80th minute-a just reward for a barn storming display.
United held on for the win-their second on the road this season-and match winner, Ovoke was understandably pleased with the accomplishment.
“I was pleased to have received a standing ovation from the Warri Wolves fans.
“Right now, I am doing well, but I am still not yet back to my best. I was playing a lot better when I was at (former club) Bayelsa United but slowly, I am getting back there,” Ovoke told Rivers United moments after the game.
Rivers United’s technical manager, Stanley Eguma also took the time to assess the performance of his charges
“Beating Wolves was not easy but this is not the time to celebrate.
“We have other games to play. We will continue working hard until we achieve our set objectives,” Eguma said.
The Wolves assistant coach, Tosan Blankson cut a forlorn figure after the contest but advised fans of the club to remain steadfast ahead of upcoming matches. “Football is just a game where you win, draw or lose.
“Today, we have lost but we can also win tomorrow.
“We can go to Ibadan and win (our next game against 3SC) so we are calling on the fans not to lose patience with us,” he said.
Sunday’s win for United-the only away win in the NPFL on match day 15- sees them climb one place to fifth on the log with 25 points from 15 games.
Wolves dropped three places as a result of the reverse and are now in 12th place with 19 points from 14 matches.
No fewer than four first team players will miss Rivers United’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash with Enugu Rangers on Sunday.
Yaovi Douhadji, Guy Kuemian, Godbless Asamoah and Wilson Andoh will definitely miss out on the match day 14 encounter against the Flying Antelopes.
Togolese international defender, Douhadji is currently indisposed and has not trained since last week.
Rivers United doctor, Chukwuemeka Agi explained that a diagnosis is yet to be reached on Douhadji’s condition.
Guy Kuemian
The big defender travelled to Jos for last Sunday’s 1-2 loss to Plateau United but indisposition forced technical manager, Stanley Eguma to draft in Ayobami Asekunowo as his replacement in the match day squad.
“Douhadji has not trained for almost a week and he will definitely miss out on the game against Rangers.
“His breathing is irregular and he’s complained of tiredness most of the time.
“He is currently at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) and will undergo further medical tests on Thursday,” Agi RIVERS UNITED MEDIA.
Kuemian recently aggravated the injury he suffered in United’s 1-2 reverse to Heartland in Owerri on April 10-a strain of the left quadriceps.
He has yet to resume training and will not play against Rangers on Sunday as a result.
Ghanaian marksman, Asamoah has struggled with hamstring issues all season and has been declared unfit to play on Sunday.
Andoh’s injury appears to be the most serious as he appeared to rupture knee ligaments in the defeat to Plateau United in Jos on Sunday.
Rivers United
He is set to be side lined for the long term and is surely out of contention for the game against Rangers on Sunday.
Eguma says the injury worries represent a big set-back in his plans to topple the league leaders at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium on Sunday.
“Right now, we have lost the services of all our first team strikers. Only (top scorer), Chukwunonso Okonso is available.
“It will not be easy to face the strongest team in the league with just one fit striker,” Eguma said.
Enugu Rangers are currently top of the NPFL standings with 24 points from 12 matches while Rivers United occupies seventh spot with 19 points from 13 matches.
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