With the Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 13 action this weekend, we have the chance to move within touching distance with the table toppers should we beat Warri Wolves on Sunday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
The omens are good seeing as we have never lost in our 3 NPFL home games against the Seasiders – and that run stretches back even further to 2016 when taking into account first meetings.
Seasiders’ Impressive Away Form
Warri Wolves celebrated their return to the NPFL with an impressive 1-0 away win against Katsina United on August 24 and followed it with a 2-0 win over Rangers International FC. However, a series of poor run of form saw Wolves drop vital points, picking just one point from a possible 12, a situation that led to the suspension of head coach Napoleon Aluma due to underperformance and the appointment of coach Jonny Austin as interim coach who has so far led the team to picking 2 away wins against Barau FC (1-0), Enyimba FC (2-1) and a draw against Bendel Insurance (1-1) on matchday 11 in Benin.
What the Managers Say
Finidi George (Rivers United): “We expect Warri Wolves to come fighting after their loss at home. We know it’s important to get the needed result so we close up the gap.”
Austin Johnny (Warri Wolves): “God willing on Sunday, we should be knocking horns with our neighbours, and I implore you (players) to give your best so that we can rewrite the script.”
“Let’s offset our loss by fighting gallantly for a win in Rivers. I know you fully well-I am your coach, and I know what you are capable of. Go in there and give me a win.”
Team News
Ebuka Akubundu is back to training and is close to full fitness. Safe hands Ani Henry Ozomena is also available for selection.
The Seasiders will depend on dangerman Innocent Orukpe who is expected to captain the side and will depend on Tejiri Emonena and Ekene Olisema to give goalkeeper Vincent Edafe the needed cover.
Facts and Stats
We have won 5, drawn 5 and lost 1 of our 11 Nigeria Premier Football League games so far, netting 7 and conceding 3 goals.
Warri Wolves have the best away record so far this season picking a massive 10 points (W3, D1, L2) on the road. They picked maximum points away from home against Katsina United, Barau FC and Enyimba FC.
Match Officials
Referee: Ahmad Rabiu
Assistant Referee 1: Salihu Aminu
Assistant Referee 2: Yusuf Abdullahi
Fourth Official: Nwosu Bright
Previous Meeting
We have won all our 3 home meetings against the Seasiders with Godwin Aguda scoring a brace in a 2-1 win in the most recent meeting in 2021.
– 11 Jul 2021: Rivers United 2-1 Warri Wolves FC
– 24 Feb 2021: Warri Wolves 1-0 Rivers United
– 18 Mar 2020: Rivers United 3-1 Warri Wolves
– 24 Nov 2019: Warri Wolves 0-1 Rivers United
– 10 Sep 2016: Rivers United 3-1 Warri Wolves
– 8 May 2016: Warri Wolves 0-1 Rivers United
