Pictures of Rivers United players relaxing in Makurdi .(Match Preview: Lobi Stars vs Rivers United)

Rivers United players relaxing in their hotel in Markudi

Fresh from beating Akwa United on Wednesday, the Port Harcourt side will hope to pick up maximum points against Lobi Stars today at the at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.

A victory for Rivers United will see them move above Rangers as leaders and become new leaders of the NPFL as the season goes on break. Speaking to Rivers United winger Bernard Ovoke via telephone "He said the mood and moral in the team hotel is positive and they are sure of picking up maximum points today against Lobi Stars

Rivers United players relaxing in their hotel in Markudi

The Port Harcourt side have not really impressed on the road playing a total of 12 away matches which have seen them wining two, drawing one and losing nine. But at home they have made the Yakubu Gowon stadium a fortress. 

Playing at home they have drawn only one game ( against Sunshine Stars, 0-0) and won all matches played. They are yet to concede a goal from any opponent except the own goal scored by Rivers United defender Olalekan Gabriel in favour of Rangers FC.

If Rivers United finishes top of the league as the league goes on a break, It would be a moral boosting achievement that can act as a catalyst to propel them to win the title. 

And if they eventual win the title, It would be one of the Cinderella stories of the Nigeria professional football league and a great achievement for a club that was newly assembled and spent time last season fighting relegation. 

Match Preview:

Expect an unchanged side from the one that filed out against Akwa United with Frederick Obomate commanding proceedings from the middle. His link up play with Bernard Ovoke can cause problems for any sleeping defence. 

Against Akwa United last Wednesday, he touched the ball a whooping 89 times and laid 17 passes with 10 being accurate.

Frederick Obomate

Bernard Ovoke

For Lobi Stars their danger man is Kingsley Eduwo and Anthony Opotu. Kingsley Eduwo has set a target of 20 goals for himself this season while Okpotu is the leading marks man. 

But sadly both players will miss the match due to suspension. Okpotu and Eduwo will not take part in the game on Sunday at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi for picking up five yellow cards so far this season. They will be missed greatly.

Anthony Okpotu © Shengolpixs

Anthony Okpotu © Shengolpixs

Kingsley Eduwo

By Chinedu Okorodike (Aka Juanizy Laurel)