NPFL: Eguma Confident of Sustaining Rivers United Fine Start (AUDIO)

Rivers United coach Stanley Eguma says he is confident his side can sustain their impressive start to the 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season till the end of the campaign.

The Pride of Rivers are top of the NPFL standings with 12points from a possible 15, having won four of their first five matches this season.

Eguma’s men are also in contention for a place in the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup, and are billed to face Bloemfontein Celtic in the second leg of their first round tie in Port Novo, Benin Republic this weekend, having won the first leg 2-0 in South Africa.

Following the acquisitions of experienced campaigners like Theophilus Afelokhai, Ifeanyi Anaemena, Godwin Aguda, Bobby Clement and Destiny Ashadi in the off season, Rivers United were expected to challenge for the NPFL crown, and they haven’t disappointed so far.

However, the long-serving tactician admits the journey is far from over but remains optimistic they would be consistent throughout the campaign.

“Looking at where we are coming from, what transpired last season and coming back to put ourselves together to get to this point, it wasn’t an easy effort,” he said.

“But so far, so good, we are on course and I will say it is not yet over.”

Asked if his star-studded team has what it takes to sustain the momentum till the end of the season, Eguma said: “I think we have because we are prepared for the season.

“You know we started our preparation on time and it is yielding results so far.

“I think with the way we are going, with the caliber of players (in the team) and with the way the management is handling proceedings in the team, I think we can go far.”

Rivers United’s run include wins against Rangers (1-0 at home), Abia Warriors (1-0 away), Kwara United (3-0 at home) and a 3-1 win against Heartland in Port Harcourt on Sunday. The only blight being a 1-0 loss to Wikki Tourists in Bauchi on Match Day 4.