Rivers United Ready For Enyimba Test - Eguma

Rivers United Technical Manager, Stanley Eguma is brimming with confidence ahead of Sunday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) opener against champions, Enyimba.

Eguma reckons the seven-time champions will pose a real threat at the Yakubu Gowon (formerly Liberation) Stadium but insists his charges will not roll over for the People’s Elephant.

“We are ready for the game.

“It is the first game of the league and as you know, last year was a very difficult one for us but by the grace of God, we were able to survive (escape the drop).

“Today we are playing as a new team. We have recruited some players that can take the team far.

“I have also drummed the winning mentality into the players and we hope they will live up to expectations,” the trainer said.

United have spent the last three-weeks in Omoku (for “intensive camping”), outskirts of Port Harcourt and Eguma believes the hard work put in by the side in by the squad will reap rich dividends.

“We have been on pre-season training for the past two weeks and we have knocked the team into shape.

“It has been difficult; a lot of our old players left and we have been trying to build a new team.

“We are optimistic though that this team will go places.

“Come Sunday, we are going to give a very good account of ourselves. All we ask for is the support of our fans.

“They should turn out in their numbers to see the new-look Rivers United. We promise to give them something to smile about,” he said.

Eguma finished off by offering words of adulation for the People’s Elephant while insisting that his charges will approach the game without fear.

“Enyimba is a big team. There are no two ways about it.(They parade) some of the best (footballers) in the country.
 
“We will neither underrate nor fear them. They have had good times in recent times.

“They are in the continent and have a lot going for them. On paper, they are favourites (to get the win over us).

“We know they are going to give us a good fight but we will do our best to give our fans something to cheer about on Sunday,” he said.

Sunday’s game at the Yakubu Gown Stadium represents the first competitive fixture for the newly-formed Rivers United.