NPFL: Ebube Duru opens up on secrets behind goal-scoring exploits at Rivers United

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Ebube Duru has revealed the secrets behind his goal-scoring form at Rivers United, with the left-back, stressing that he “pratice free kicks a lot in training”.

The defender was influential in the Pride of Rivers’ historic league title haul under the tutelage of coach Stanley Eguma and also the surge in the ongoing CAF Confederation Cup since arriving from Lobi Stars player in 2021.

The Super Eagles man has continued his fine form this season with three goals in five games, including the recent winner from his well-executed free kick to seal a 2-1 victory at home against Niger Tornadoes in Port Harcourt.

And the 23-year-old set piece specialist has revealed the secrets behins his goal-scoring prowess as well as his quest to surpass last season’s feat for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions this season.

“At the beginning of this season, I was determined to surpass my performance for last season. Last season I scored three goals with two assists,” Duru told Brila FM.

“This is just the fifth game of this season and I have gotten my first three goals. That’s the target I set for myself to score more goals this season. That is the reason why I push hard during every match.

“I try to attack more. During training, I practice free kicks because that’s one of the easiest ways to score goals. I know that in the next games, I will score more goals.”

Duru began his football career at a grass youth club Rock Foundation FC before moving to Benin Vipers, another grass youth club.

In 2014, he signed for Dynamite Force FC in which he played the Nationwide League and was promoted to amateur 1 the following season. He was loaned to FC Ebedei for a season and was promoted to Pro league scoring three goals.

He returned to Dynamite force FC before joining Premier League club Lobi Stars in 2016 on a three-year contract.