Rivers United head coach, Stanley Eguma, says the Rivers State-based club and Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table leaders will not celebrate winning the top-flight league until the last fixture.
Eguma, who guided the club to a stunning comeback win in their matchday 30 fixture at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium against Dakkada FC, maintained their seven-point lead over a contending side, Plateau United.
Despite pulling such an amazing win, the coach is adamant to acknowledge victory stressing that it is not over yet.
In a statement by the club on Sunday, 29 May, 2022, Eguma insists Rivers United have not yet achieved their quest for the Nigeria Professional Football League title and ‘will fight to the end’ to get their hands on the coveted trophy.
Since being tipped as favourites for the crown after an away victory over Katsina United on matchday 22, Eguma’s side have seen their form drop for the first time this season, losing three matches consecutively in a role.
However, following Saturday’s win against Dakkada FC in a thrilling encounter, the Pride of Rivers are now seven points clear on top of the NPFL with eight games remaining.
Read Also: French Open: Nadal, Djokovic’s quarter-final clash looms
According to Rivers United, the experienced Eguma believes they are still been challenged by Plateau United for the title and feels his side’s comeback win in Uyo shows they have enough quality in their squad to clinch the title.
Nevertheless, the Pride of Rivers host their closest rival Plateau United in a cracking matchday 31 fixture on Wednesday, 1 June, in what could be the league’s title decider but Coach Eguma has refused to pin all of his title aspirations on that particular game.
“We can see the green light at the end of the tunnel and we also believe that it is possible we can do it but for now, it is not yet over,” Eguma insisted.
“We still have some games to play and you can never predict the scoreline of those games. Plateau United also won heavily so it’s a sign that it’s not yet over, the title race is still on.
“We cannot start celebrating now because I believe that a lot of things will happen between now and the end of the season so we cannot relent. It is still not yet over but I think we are the best side who have the chance to grab the title,” Eguma added.
The Trumpet reports that despite Rivers United players, Ishaq Rafiu and Chiamaka Madu, going on international duty to represent the country in friendly matches with Mexico and Ecuador in the United States, the Pride of Rivers were still able to pull a stunning win against Dakkada FC to prove the depth of the squad.
