STORIES BY PAUL EREWUBA
Rivers United tactician, Stanley Eguma, is unfazed with the busy new season that his wards would be heading into, stating matter – of – fact that they would be up to the task before them.
Eguma’s side would be competing in the CAF Champions League, NPFL and Federation Cup next season.
They would be going all out for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title next season after narrowly missing it to eventual champions, Enugu Rangers.
The Pride of Rivers finished a respectable second and also picked the ticket to represent Nigeria in the 2017 CAF Champions League.
They were three points behind Rangers at the end of the match day 38 of the 2016 NPFL campaign.
But this has led to critics saying the team might not be able to cope with the three competitions ahead.
However, Eguma, a veteran of Nigerian league, has dismissed the fears being expressed with a wave of the left hand, insisting that his team would be up for some surprises when ‘hostilities’ begin.
Speaking in the same vein, while expressing optimism, Rivers United Bernard Evoke said there was no cause for alarm over their crowded season.
“The main concern is having the right chemistry and team to perform very well in these three competitions. I believe that we have the machinery to get the job done.
“Next season we will be going for the league title.
“With new players expected to strengthen the side, we should be having a stronger squad.
and pre-season will soon start. That shows how serious we are,” he concluded.
Wikki eyes Confederation Cup diadem
Wikki Tourists captain and right back, Mustapha Ibrahim has said his side would make Nigeria proud when hostilities for next year’s CAF Confederation Cup begins.
The Bauchi-based side qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup after they finished third on the NPFL table in the just concluded 2015/16 season. Ibrahim said his side had consistently sought for a continental ticket in the past two seasons, saying they will fight hard to make an impact.
“We are going to be good representatives not only to Nigeria but Africa.
“We have been looking for the ticket in the past two seasons and now that the ticket is in our kitty, we will make good use of it.
“I believe that with the quality of players at our disposal we will compete favourably for the top prize.
“Already the management is working out a perfect programme that will see us compete well in the domestic and continental scenes.
“There will be readjustment in the workforce that will see more experienced players come in to further strengthen the side for future assignments.
“Naturally, some players would be asked to leave but the body language of the management is to ensure continuity reigns among the players and coaches. “I just hope the government will borrow a leaf from the Rivers State government that is looking beyond the shores of the country to prepare Rivers United for the continental assignment.
“We will be ready in time to defend the continental ticket as well as excel in the domestic league,” he stated.