Rivers United will be aiming to continue their unbeaten run in the NPFL 2020/21 season when they play hosts to Kwara United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in matchday 3 of the Nigeria Professional League on Sunday evening. Since the start of the new season, the “Pride of Rivers have 2 games without a defeat as the overcame Rangers International FC and Abia Warriors FC. Rivers United dependable wingback Kazie Enyinnaya, ahead of the tie with his former club Kwara United, was asked what the feeling is like knowing he will get to face his former team and if he thinks Rivers United can get a win, to which he replied, “ Football is like this and I have no choice but to put in my best to ensure Rivers United wins.”
“I believe we have the players, I believe in my ability and I also believe in our Coach. We will defeat Kwara United.”
Heading into the Kwara United game, Stanley Eguma has been handed a fresh suspension concern. Mercurial midfielder Nelson Esor will serve out his one match suspension for the red card(2 yellow cards) he picked up in Saturday’s game against Abia Warriors in Aba and will only be available for selection after Sunday’s game.
There is some good news with Cletus Emoten returning after sitting out against Abia Warriors FC due to a red card he earned against Rangers FC on Matchday one. Festus Austin has recovered from his cut to the head that almost caused a scare in their last match, while Destiny Ashadi is also available for selection once again, meanwhile, Ospino Egbe remain sidelined.
There are unlikely to be a host of changes to the lineup that took the field against Abia Warriors. The reliable figure of Abiodun Akande should continue to man the goal for Rivers United while Festus Austin, Temple Emekayi, Ifeanyi Anaemena, Fabian Nworie and Kunle Odunlani are all available for selection at the heart of the defence in search of a third consecutive clean sheet.
The inform Kazie Enyinnaya is expected to walk into the side at right-back, whereas returning Konan Ruffin is set to earn more playing time at left-back.
It will be very interesting to see who gets the nod from the pool of midfielders as Lookman Binuyo, Thomas Kpozo, Kehinde Adedipe, Joseph Onoja, Cletus Emoten, Bamba Bakari are all fit and available for selection.
The attacking department may also see one or more tweaks as Godwin Aguda, who has scored in every CAF Confederation Cup match for Rivers United will seek to open his NPFL goal account. Stephen Gopey with 2 assists in the last 2 matches will have the likes of Bobby Clement, Godwin Chika, Malachi Ohawume to fight for starting spot.
Spearheading the attack for Rivers United against Kwara United should once again be Fortune Omoniwari, who has scored 3 goals in the last 3 matches for Rivers United and will seek to continue his scoring form.
