River United vs Motema Pembe Preview: Pride of Rivers seek third straight win in Uyo

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

After a 3-0 loss to Diables Noirs of Congo in its first game of the 2022/2023 CAF Confederation Cup, Rivers United has gained momentum with two straight wins lifting the Nigerian Champions to the top of Group B.

Stanley Eguma’s side defeated Asec Mimosa of Ivory Coast 3-0 and edged Motema Pembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 1-0 away from home last term. The hosts are the favourite and anything short of a win will be an unexpected result.

The last 1-0 away win in Angola ended Motema Pembe’s six-match unbeaten run. Paul Acquah’s goal lifted Rivers United to the Group B summit with six ahead of Asec and Diables while Motema Pembe occupy the fourth spot.

The team has won two of the last five games, drawing two and losing one match, while Motema Pembe has won two, drawn two, and lost one of its last five games.

A win for Rivers United will consolidate its position on the log as nine points put it in contention to qualify for the next stage while Motema Pembe’s plans to get its campaign back on track at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Rivers United prepared for this game with a 0-0 draw with Abia Warriors in the NPFL. Motema Pembe’s league is yet to kick at the moment which might be a cause for worry for the team’s fitness and match rustiness.

Meanwhile, ticket prices were announced for Rivers United vs DC Motema Pembe CAF Confederation’s Cup tie.

The tickets will cost 200 Naira, 500 Naira, and 1,000 Naira as tickets are on sale across the capital city ahead of match day, which is Wednesday, March 8, 2023.