Rivers United Chief Coach Evans Ogenyi addressed the press following his team’s exhilarating 3-2 victory against Doma United in the NPFL, emphasizing the significance of the win and its implications for their upcoming fixtures, particularly in the continental arena.
Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of high-stakes encounters, Ogenyi highlighted the resilience displayed by his team, particularly in their ability to secure a draw on Doma United’s home turf in the previous fixture. He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on their home advantage and maintaining a winning mentality as they navigate through crucial league matches and prepare for continental challenges.
“The Nigerian league is very strong. The players know themselves,” Ogenyi asserted. “And that is why any game in the Nigerian local league is like a Derby.”
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Drawing parallels between domestic and continental competitions, Ogenyi stressed the need for his players to approach each match with the same level of intensity and determination, recognizing the weight of expectation placed upon them as representatives not only of Rivers State but also of Nigeria as a whole.
“A match that produced a five-goal thriller is not an ordinary match you understand? But the three points are what matters and we’ll build on it,” Ogenyi remarked, highlighting the importance of securing maximum points in tightly contested encounters.
Looking ahead to their upcoming fixture in Angola for the continental campaign, Evans Ogenyi urged Nigerians to maintain faith in the team’s capabilities, emphasizing their commitment to representing the nation with pride and determination.
“So I want you Nigerians to have hope. Have hope in the team. Because we are not just representing the good people of River State, we are presenting Nigeria as an entity,” Ogenyi stated emphatically, urging fans to offer their support and prayers as Rivers United embarks on their quest for success on both domestic and international fronts.
