By Gowon Akpodonor on April 16, 2017
Nigeria’s only surviving team in the CAF Confederation Cup, Rivers United of Port Harcourt, has promised to beat visiting Rayon Sports of Rwanda in today’s first leg of their play-off tie at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium. The Rivers side want the victory to serve as Easter gift for its teaming fans.
Rayon Sports of Rwanda, an attack-minded side will approach today’s game with some key players missing from the squad.
Top striker, Shassir Nahimana, who has been instrumental in their progress from the first round, will miss the match as he is nursing an ailment. Ange Mutsinzi, who is also a key player, did not travel to Nigeria as he is serving his second match suspension following a red card in the return leg against Al Wau Sallam of South Sudan.
Players and officials of Rivers United yesterday vowed to roast the visitors so as to make the return leg on April 22 at Stade Amahoro in Kigali a mere formality. The winner of that tie will proceed to the lucrative group stages.
Rivers United Technical manager, Stanley Eguma said yesterday that having lost out from the CAF Champions League, “it is important to finally get back to winning ways as this will help build confidence.
“Now, we will try to get a good result against Rayon Sports who are a very good side,” he told the club’s official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
“We have suffered so much in the past months but as an extremely experienced coach, I know that football is like life; it is full of ups and down.”
Head coach of Rayon Sports, Masudi Djuma is however optimistic of his side’s progress to the group stage but the Burundian tactician knows the importance of claiming a positive result in today’s encounter. (The Guardian)
•Photo shows Rivers United line-up.
Source Daily Sports
Posted April 16, 2017
You may also like...
South Africa likely to host Afcon 2019
Poland crash out of Russia 2018 after defeat...
Man City Spank Sorry Schalke 04 to Book...
Ifeadi Odenigbo trying to stick with Vikings
FA hopeful of allowing Chelsea fans to buy...
Man Utd Brush Aside Brighton To Go Fifth...

D’Tigress begin US tour with historic Sparks clash
Tinubu congratulates basketball star Anosike on NBL title, MVP award in China
NSC announces UK trials for diaspora athletes
Adams calls for urgent reset in Nigerian football
Playing for Nigeria felt like playing for Real Madrid – Arokodare
Playing for Nigeria felt like playing for Real Madrid – Arokodare
NFF opens talks with Osula over Eagles switch
Brume, Okezie join global stars for Kip Keino Classic
NPFL confirms May 24 season end date
NCF proposes elite cricket league
Trump envoy wants Italy to replace Iran at World Cup — Report
Gala intensify Osimhen’s special recovery plan
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,727 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,051 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,984 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,575 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,504 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,403 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,254 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,800 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,988 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,497 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,912 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,375 views)