Rivers Utd, Wikki set for big clash

Rivers United return to action on Wednesday after their stunning 1-0 away success over Warri Wolves on match day 15 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

A big win over the Tourists in Port Harcourt could see sixth-placed United go top of the NPFL standings (if other results go their way) for the first time this season.

It seems more of a possibility rather than wishful thinking as all five sides above United on the NPFL log navigate banana-skin road trips on match day 16.

However, claiming the scalp of the visitors will be no easy feat.

In head coach, Abdul Maikaba, Wikki Tourists can boast of a purist, a lover of aesthetic football, whose side play the positive way.

A well-known FC Barcelona fan, Maikaba has instilled the principle of possession-based football in his side.

“Our coach (Maikaba) is an FC Barcelona fan. He insists that we keep the ball on the ground and pass it from the back.

“He hates long passes with a passion and wants us to have more possession than our opponents irrespective of where we play,” Tourists striker, Godwin Obaje said.

Maikaba has the individuals blessed with the talents to play a possession-based game.

In goalkeeper Emeka Nwabulu, Waziri Christopher, Harrison Madu, Peter Ambrose, Guda Mohammed and striker, Obaje, Maikaba has a solid core of a talented team.

Obaje has turned more than a few heads this term and is the league’s top scorer with eight goals.

“I have not set any target for myself as regards the number of goals I want to score this season.

“All I try to do is contribute my quota, continue scoring the goals and see that I help my team achieve our objectives at the end of the season.