NPFL Preview: River United Suspended Ovoke returns As They Targets Home Win Over Niger Tornadoes
Bernard Ovoke has returned from suspension as Rivers United aim to beat Niger Tornadoes at home on Sunday to stay in contention for the Nigeria league crown.
Rivers United are currently in third place in the NPFL standings, while Tornadoes are 11th.
But ‘The Pride of Rivers’ have lost their last two NPFL matches (2-0 to FC IfeanyiUbah and 1-0 against Nasarawa United) and know that only a win on Sunday at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt will throw them back into reckoning.
Ovoke has been reintegrated into the United first team after he was axed for gross misconduct, while Onyekachi Okafor is available for selection after he missed the club’s last game at Nasarawa United.
Ghanaian marksman Godbless Asamoah and left back Chiwendu Ali are the only notable absentee for Rivers United.
Asamoah is yet to fully recover from the hamstring strain that has side-lined him for recent matches, while Ali picked up a knock in Friday’s training session and will undergo a late fitness test on Sunday
Rivers United coach Stanley Eguma knows Sunday’s game will be potentially decisive for his side and wants a big performance from his charges.
“We want a victory and we are well-prepared. It will be a very interesting game because Tornadoes are in a precarious position on the table,” he said.
“However, we know the importance of a win and we hope that our players play at a high level.”
Tornadoes won the reverse fixture 3-2 at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja on March 13 with coach Bala Abubakar blaming a lapse in concentration for his side’s late capitulation which saw them almost blow a 3-0 lead.
The Tornadoes coach admitted it will be a different ball game on Sunday.
“Fans of Tornadoes should not expect an easy match because Rivers United have one of the best sides in the NPFL,” he said.
“When you take a look at the table and see their current position, it gives you an idea of just how strong they are.
“I am not promising anything but I know we will give Rivers United a good match.”
Gabriel Wassa remains one of the most important members of the Tornadoes squad with Mustapha Musa, Solomon Owello, Abawula Anthony and Jackson Daniel completing a solid spine.
Comments
This article has 0 comment(s) , give your comment