Another special treat awaits followers of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) this afternoon as two of the most exciting sides in the land, FC Ifeanyiubah and Rivers United square up in one of the glamour ties of the round.
The FC Ifeanyiubah Stadium, Nnewi is the arena for today’s game which will see two of Nigeria’s representatives in CAF’s inter-club competitions battle for supremacy.
FC Ifeanyiubah’s home form is fearsome to say the least. They totally outclassed high-flying MFM FC 4-0 in the only game played in front of their vociferous supporters thus far.
Head coach, Yaw Preko is spoilt for choice in a squad teeming with quality personnel.
Captain Ikechukwu Ezenwa remains one of the best goalkeepers in West Africa while Valentine Nwabili, Onyekachi Akakem, Elu Wilson and Stephen Eze make up an extremely impregnable-looking ‘back four’.
In Madrano Tamen, FCIU possess probably the most naturally-gifted playmaker in the land while Kone Yaya, Jimoh Oni, King Osanga and the enigmatic Prince Aggrey represent threats from midfield and up top.
Seka Paschal and the Brazilian, Alberico Da Silva can also influence issues as impact substitutes while new addition, Ifeanyi Onuigbo comes with bags of experience.
Rivers United forward, Maduabuchi Okereke knows the inner workings of FCIU quite well having played for the Anambra Warriors last term.
He insists that the Pride of Rivers will be vanquished unless they play the perfect game on Wednesday.
“I know most (of the FCIU) players very well and I have spoken to some ahead of this game.
“They are eager to beat Rivers United just as they did last season and if we don’t play a perfect game, I don’t think we can avoid defeat because they are very determined and have very good players.
“Last season, I played against Rivers United (in Nnewi) and I did well (he grabbed the assist for the first goll of the game that finished 2-0).
“Now, I face my former club and my expectation is to do much better than I did last season,” he told the club’s official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
While FCIU appears to be the overwhelming favourites on paper, United, unbeaten in their last NPFL matches, have been flying under the radar and quietly and effectively going about their business.
The Port Harcourt club has been effective if not spectacular this term and is just one of three unbeaten sides in the NPFL.
Wednesday’s game against FCIU however represents their sternest test thus far but club captain, Festus Austin is making the right noises and understandably so.
“Last season’s visit to Nnewi was not a good one for us but we know what is at stake for us.
“We just have to improve on our performances away from home.
“The objective is to at least avoid defeat in Nnewi,” he said.
Wednesday’s contest promises to be fascinating and intriguing; the force of nature up against the immovable object – surely, something has to give.
