Team News : Obomate To Miss Rivers United Clash Against Sunshine Stars

Rivers United will prosecute Wednesday’s match day eight Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game against Sunshine Stars without inspirational midfielder, Obomate Frederick.

Obomate has been outstanding and was voted as the first winner of the LBA player of the month award this season following his sparkling displays this term.

He misses out on Wednesday’s potentially cracking contest though and has been replaced by Bernard Ovoke.

Sunday Rotimi starts in goal for United following his awe-inspiring performance in Ibadan against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on match day seven in Ibadan.

The back four is again re-jigged following yet another suspension to trusted personnel in the shape of Ofem Inah who was shown a straight red card in the defeat away to 3SC last Saturday.

Chiwendu Ali takes the place of the suspended ex-Sunshine Stars left back while Chigozie Ihunda starts at right back.

Gabriel Olalekan and Festus Austin continue their consistent partnership at centre back while Christian Weli, Ovoke, Yusuf Jaiyeola and Ebitimi Agogo get the nod in midfield.

Chukwunonso Okonkwo and Guy Kuemian worried the 3SC defence to no end in Ibadan and they again receive the blessings of technical manager, Eguma to commence proceedings at the Yakubu Gowon (former Port Harcourt Liberation) Stadium on Wednesday.

“Obomate will not play any part in the game but that is not a problem.

“We have a solid team with great depth and slowly, we are beginning to know the core of this club,” Eguma told Rivers United Media.

United are in 12th place on the NPFL standings with nine points from seven matches while Sunshine Stars have amassed only two points so far this season and sit in 19th place on the 20-team log.

Rivers United Starting XI: Sunday Rotimi (22),Chigozie Ihunda (2),Ali Chiwendu (3),Gabriel Olalekan (12),Festus Austin (19),Yusuf Jaiyeola (21),Ovoke Bernard (7),Christian Weli (27),Ebitimi Agogo (15),Chukwunonso Okonkwo (14),Guy Kuemian Venance (9)

Substitutes : Henry Ayodele (23),Odinga Odinga (34),Obinze Godwin (38),Daniel Israel (16),Felix Benjamin (24),Ebina Nnebuo (8),Godbless Asamoah (17)

Igho Kingsley