Cephas Iorhemen Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi will on Sunday engage their counterpart, Rivers United on Matchday 5 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Portharcourt in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The match which shall be an epic centre of entertainment for soccer fans, came after the ‘Yes Father Boys’ earned three points over visiting Abia Warriors on Matchday 4 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Rivers United is the only surviving Nigerian club side playing continental football.
The previous clashes between these two NPFL giants had good memories that lived on in head-to-head meetings last season, despite both teams earning three points at home, both shared a point each at the NPFL Super Six in Lagos, after an entertaining tie ended in a stalemate.
Head Coach of the Makurdi side, Eugene Agagbe and his boys will approach tomorrow’s tie with caution. His boys must work hard to close the loopholes that may be advantageous for the Pride of Rivers to capitalize to cause harm.
Early team news on the side of the Makurdi Boys, shows there are no injury worries as the squad is healthy. Francis Odinaka who limped off the pitch before halftime in Lafia on Matchday 4 has joined the rest of the squad for the Port Harcourt trip.
Danbani Alao and Amodu Liman scored their first League goals for Lobi Stars during Abia Warriors’ visit, the duo are available for selection.
Moses Tsehuan, who has proven to be an integral part of the defence line for the “Shoe Get Size” boys will ensure good organization against the host.
Rivers United Technical Adviser, Stanley Eguma will be without his trusted defender Anthony Ohaegbu due to suspension, he is to serve a match ban following his sent-off on Matchday 4 against Kano Pillars.
However, the gaffer will turn to former Lobi Stars defender Endurance Ebedebiri, Temple Emekayi, and his captain Nyima Nwangwa to bring out the needed zeal from their teammates as they host a second-place team on the NPFL table.
