Match Preview: Rivers United vs Lobi Stars

Rivers United kickoff their second half week 19 fixture of the NPFL today against Lobi Stars.

The Markudi side (Lobi Stars) won the reverse fixture 1-0 at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi on May 22 courtesy of a Sunday Akelechi 67th minute goal.

The Port Harcourt side are third on the table with 31 points but have a chance to top the table should they beat Lobi Stars. One thing that will count for Rivers United is their superlative home form. They are yet o lose at home conceding only one goal (an own goal scored by Olalakan Gabriel against Rangers of Enugu)

For Lobi stars they will be dependent on Okiemute Odah, their goalkeepers while experienced leader, and ex super Eagles defender Solomon Kwambe will man the Lobi defence experience and flair.

They say the midfield is the engine room of a team and that is where Lobi stars are superior and can boost of the creativity of Sunny Akleche, Patrick Ikeokwu, Moses Bunde.

While strikers David Tyavkase, Kingsley Eduwo and top scorer, Anthony Okpotu (Eduwo and Okpotu both missed the reverse fixture) can cause problems for any defence.

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.

There are no injury worries for coach of Rivers United Stanley Eguma as he has a complete squad to choose from. Speaking to Soccer120.com he said;

“This is a major game and we are taking it as a cup final because we want to start the second round on a good note with maximum points.We are working hard and come Sunday you will see a fired up Rivers United side".