Still smarting from the 2-1 victory over Kampala City Council (KCC) of Uganda in this year’s CAF Confederations Cup in Port Harcourt, Rivers United will on Saturday host Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) tie.
3SC will arrive in Port Harcourt on Saturday with the hopes of going for an encore after winning the first leg in Ibadan 2-1 on February 5, 2017 but will meet a Rivers United side high on confidence after recently putting their CAF Confederations Cup campaign back on track with a crucial win against KCCA.
A win for United will see them climb four places to 13th on the NPFL log while 3SC, currently mired in relegation trouble will leave the drop zone if they become the first side to inflict defeat on the ‘Pride of Rivers’ at their stately patch.
Head coach of 3SC, Fatai Amoo is full of respect for the opposition and does not expect any display of complacency from the hosts.
“I don’t think they (Rivers United) will be distracted as a result of their participation in the CAF Confederations Cup,” Amoo said.
“You don’t just stumble on (qualification to play) on the continent. There were four Nigerian clubs on the continent but today; only Rivers United is left so it means they have all it takes (to play at that level).
“It is an advantage for them but it will also motivate us. We respect them,” he said.
Lukman Mohammed scored for Rivers United in the reverse fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan just over four months ago and he also spoke ahead of Saturday’s contest.
“The fans cannot write the team off for now; we ask for their support as it is still possible for us to have a good season,” he said on fans’ discontent over United’s underwhelming displays in the NPFL this term.
Saturday’s contest will be a compelling one with both sides desperate for points that will guarantee gradual, if not steady progress, towards the top half of the table.
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