Two sides in patchy form, Wikki Tourists and Rivers United, will go toe to toe in a desperate scrap for crucial points on Wednesday (today) in Bauchi as the Nigeria Professional Football League enters Match Day 11.
United have yet to win in their last five NPFL fixtures, which prompted the club’s sponsor, the Rivers State Government, to read the riot act to the technical and management staff to either sit up or shape out.
Wikki’s circumstances are not happier either as they are currently ensconced in the relegation zone after picking up 10 points from their first eight matches.
Today’s fixture couldn’t have been more important for both sides who are in dire need of points.
Omo Johnson, a striker of Wikki Tourists, insists recording a win against the ‘Pride of Rivers’ is non-negotiable.
“We travelled to Ilorin (for our last game versus ABS) and couldn’t come back with a point but now we want three points against Rivers United and I am sure we will get the win,” Johnson told the club website.
Head coach of Wikki, Mohammed Babaganaru, is also blessed with experienced personnel like Emeka Nwabulu (one of the finest goalkeepers in the country), Festus Umanah, Jonathan Zikiye, Harrison Madu, Nnaemeka Anyawu and Idris Guda Mohammed, who is one of the most exciting attackers in the division.
They will however come up against a United side that will be keen to record a first victory since January 22 (when they overcame Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in Port Harcourt).
United’s gaffer, Stanley Eguma, is as experienced as they come and knows an outright win in Bauchi will ease mounting pressure on his shoulders.
Eguma said: “It is a must-win game for us because we have bbacks-to-the-walk backs-to-the-wall situation.
“We have no option but to attack and try to win the game.
“It is very possible but we must show concentration and commitment to ensure that we get it right.”
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