Lobi Stars will seek to extend their lead on the log table when they host the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finalists, Rivers United in the Nigeria Premier Football League, week 25 tie slated for Wednesday, March 13, at Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa State.
The NPFL table toppers as usual would turn to their vociferous home supporters for their unrelenting support as they look forward to consolidating on the table when they file out against the Port-Harcourt-based side in one of the biggest fixtures of NPFL matchday 25.
Wednesday’s cracker is full of promises as both teams have intomidating profiles as former champions of the NPFL.
The last three league meetings between the two NPFL giants produced the following results; Rivers United won 2-1 in Port Harcourt in the first leg of the Abridged league season of 2023 while Lobi Stars won 3-2 in the reverse fixture at new Jos Township Stadium.
In the first leg of the ongoing season, Rivers United won 1-0 so the reverse fixture which comes up tomorrow will offer Lobi Stars an opportunity to exert revenge against the Confederation Cup campaigners.
Players to watch for Lobi Stars; Sunday Chinedu and Moses Tsehuan who have been reliable would combine with John Victor, Stanley Oganbor, Alao Dabani, Ahmadu Liman and Suur Kumaga to cage the visitors aiming for a positive result.
Meanwhile, Rivers United coach Evans Ogenyi will rely on the likes of three former Lobi Stars players, Nyima Nwagua, Endurance Ebidebiri, Mathias Samuel and Andy Okpe to stop the in-form ‘Yes Father’ boys as they look forward to improving on the log.
There is good news in the ‘Alia Boys’ camp, as Suur Kumaga is back to the squad after missing out against Katsina United and Abia Warriors. Harmony Ikande may join the squad against Rivers tomorrow. John Lazarus will serve his last match ban and won’t be available tomorrow.
Interestingly, two Benue football tacticians, Agagbe and Ogenyi will be in the dug-outs in Lafia, dishing out instructions to their lads as the two arch rivals go for each other’s jugular.
