By Mayuku Charles

Rivers United’s squad will be looking to open their Nigeria Professional Football League campaign on a high as the host Rangers FC

Rivers United start their 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League campaign as host when they entertain Rangers FC on Wednesday 30th December 2020 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka in the 4pm kick-off time.

After a 2-0 away victory over Bloemfontein Celtic in CAF Confederation Cup tie in South Africa, Coach Stanley Eguma will be hoping to continue the momentum and get the “Pride of Rivers” season off to the perfect start.

They face Salisu Yusuf’s Rangers side, who were drown 3-0 the last time they featured in an NPFL game in Port Harcourt with United’s goals coming from Malachi Ohawume, Wasiu Jimoh and Nelson Esor ensured

RIVERS UNITED VS RANGERS FC

TEAM NEWS

With some of his stars still recovering from travel stress, Eguma may be forced to reshuffle his team and give full top flight debuts to several of Rivers United’s new signings.

Kazie Enyinnaya, Bamba Bakari, Fabian Nworie and Ifeanyi Anaemena started at the back in Bloemfontein and could just be rested for this tie.

This may mean Temple Emekayi is paired alongside captain Festus Austin, with Chigozie Ihunda also available for selection.

In midfield, Ghanian import Desmond Agbekpornu’ very impressive showing in Bloemfontein could place him ahead of others and will gives Eguma options, as does the availability of Joseph Onoja, Thomas Kozo and Lookman Binuyo.

Destiny Ashadi could be handed his debut in midfield, whilst Konan Ruffin could get his return after recovering from a thigh injury.

Bobby Clement, Godwin Aguda and Kehinde Adedipe could start against a side they once played for but it understood that Ospino Egbe is not included in the squad, as the safehands has been excused from Matchday one action.

What are some of the players saying ahead of the tie?

Hear them;

Captain Festus Austin;

“We just came back from South Africa with a good result and we the players have put that behind us as this is a league match and it’s another different ball game.

We are playing a big side, a tactical side and a big team in Nigeria and I think we will need to step up our game. We know how important the three point is, so we don’t afford to lose any point at home now. We just have to go all out.

I think Rangers will be unlucky, because we need the three points to be on top the log of the league.” – Festus Austin

Midfielder Kehinde Adedipe;

“It’s not going to be a different game against Rangers on Wednesday because I have played for both teams. For Rivers United playing at home, we expect maximum victory from the team. I believe with hard work, determination and dedication, three points will be ours on Wednesday.” – Kehinde Adedipe.

🏆 Nigeria Professional Football League
🆚 Rangers FC
📆 Wed 30th Dec 2020
🏟 Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium PH
⏰ 4pm
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