Another epic clash is upon us as Katsina United travel to Port Harcourt to trade tackles with Rivers United in a rescheduled NPFL matchday three fixture at the popular Yakubu Gowon Stadium, sports247.ng reports.
‘The Changi Boys’, who are still basking in the euphoria of their first away point and goal of the season at Lobi Stars on Sunday, will hope to extend the grit and doggedness they exhibited in Makurdi to this game against a team they are are yet to lose to.
Rivers United, tutored by one of the best coaches in the land Stanley Eguma, have also proved since the beginning of the season that they are team to beat as they are yet to taste defeat at home, while picking important points on the road in Akure and Benin.
According to the Media Officer of Katsina United, Wale Oye, he said that the vital away point picked at Lobi Stars will serve as the needed tonic for Katsina United going to this crunch encounter and perhaps spur them to another positive on the road.
Coach Eguma boys would rely on their unbeaten run of form at home going to this crunch tie
Katsina United, a refined and modest side under coach Abdullahi Biffo, are yet to win on the road since they gained promotion to the NPFL three years ago.
They might rewrite the history that has been against them come Wednesday in Port Harcourt considering their current form and the crop of players on their books.
‘The Pride of Rivers’, on the other hand, will take this game with all level of seriousness as they wouldn’t want a repeat of the disappointing 1 – 1 draw recorded against ‘The Changi Boys’ two seasons ago.
Katsina United will once again bank on the services of their key players like fit-again Destiny Ashadi, Joshua Agboola, Usule Martins and Super Eagles goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who shone like a million stars against Lobi Stars in Makurdi at the weekend, to do the damage when the two teams clash on Wednesday.
Rivers United top scorer Ossy Martins, Wasiu Jimoh and Super Eagles defender Kunle Odunlami are the players who Katsina United need to worry about in the colours of Rivers team.
Team News
Niger goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda is still struggling for fitness, Destiny Ashadi, who suffered a knock on his shin in the last match at Lobi Stars, is also doubtful for this game.
Tsawanya Samuel and Dominic Abah are still on suspension as a result of the red cards from Matchday seven and 10, respectively.
Previous Meetings
Rivers United have been defeated in their last two previous visit to the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina 2 – 0 and 2 – 1 in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Katsina United only visit to Port Harcourt ended in a draw courtesy of a late equaliser by Martins Usule that cancelled out an early goal by Rivers United.
League Standings
Katsina United are seventh on the league table with 10 points picked from eight games. While Rivers United who are also on 10 points from the same number of games are sixth as a result of goal difference.
Form Guide in the last Five League Games
Katsina United – DLLWW
Rivers United – DDLWW
Players to watch
Katsina United – Joshua Agboola
Rivers United – Ossy Martins
Venue – Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt
Date – Wednesday, 6th March, 2019.
Time – 4PM
