MATCH PREVIEW: Wikki Tourists Vs Rivers Utd

Not many Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matches come bigger than Wikki Tourists versus Rivers United as far as the eventual result on the implication of the overall destination of the title is concerned.

Five points and three places separate the two clubs on the league standings with a win for either side certain to boost their chances of winning the title for the very first time.

The Tourists have not lost at home all season while United have failed to score away from home in the second round of the campaign.

The permutations point to a straightforward win for Wikki but technical manager of United, Stanley Eguma insists that nothing is etched in stone.

“I cannot predict the outcome of matches before they are played. I rather work towards (getting a positive result from) the game.

“I recall that when (United) we got our first away win of the season (against Warri Wolves in Warri on May 8), no one expected it.

“I can’t predict what will happen in Bauchi.

“I agree that Wikki Tourists is a good side but it is possible that they can fall in Bauchi and that is what we are plotting for.

“We have had a week to prepare for the game and we will go to Bauchi to give a good account of ourselves because we know the importance of that game.

“We know what that game will do for our title ambitions so we are not going there for (tourism).

“The fans should know that Rivers United will be giving her best in that game and who knows, we may be coming back with a win,” Eguma told RIVERS UNITED MEDIA.

Eguma will be pitting his wits against Abdul Maikaba who has moulded a fantastic unit with the Wikki squad this season.

The Wikki trainer is also upbeat ahead of his side’s clash with United on Sunday and he wants his charges to bounce back from the setback of their last NPFL game against Nasarawa United.

Wikki had dominated for long stretches at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi last Sunday before late goals (the winner was scored in second half added time) from Eseosa Igbinoba and Aminu Kadir handed Nasarwa United a 2-1 win.

“We have worked very hard to bring this team to this level and everyone knows Wikki is not a big club.

“The fight will continue till the end of the season. On Sunday, we will give a similar performance and correct the mistakes we made (against Nasarawa United,” he said.