Rivers United chances of breaking the 10-year curse on NPFL Champions

The Nigeria Skilled Soccer League (NPFL) has a brand new champion in Rivers United. On the path to turning into NPFL Champions of the 2021/2022 season and claiming their first-ever title, they broke many data on the way in which.

They amased the best ever factors tally within the NPFL, with 77 factors, scored the best variety of goals-58, conceded the fewest variety of objectives -24 and achieved the largest margin of victory in 17 years with a ten level hole over second-placed Plateau United. It was additionally Stanley Eguma’s first because the longest-serving supervisor within the NPFL.

The staff was rewarded for his or her superb achievement, because the gamers and officers received $20,000 from the State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

The governor has additionally promised double the money reward, if the staff makes it into the group phases of the CAF Champions League subsequent season.

NPFL champions haven’t made it previous the CAF Champions League group stage within the final 10 years. Solely Enyimba Worldwide and Lobi Stars have reached the group stage since 2012.

All eyes are actually on Rivers United to see if they’ll break that 10-year curse.

Poor funding, dangerous luck with attracts, lack of key gamers, and late beginning of the league are main issues hindering NPFL champions to place up sensible performances within the CAF Champions League.

The main drawback actually is the insufficient funding as 90% of NPFL golf equipment are sponsored by the federal government and a change in authorities or an uninterested governor can significantly damped the progress of an NPFL facet.

Governor Nyesom Wike will probably be leaving workplace subsequent 12 months and if the subsequent governor that takes cost isn’t as passionate about sports activities and soccer as Wike or prepared to fund his mission (as Rivers United was created by Governor Nyesom Wike), Rivers United would possibly hit all-time low and may need to begin once more.

The path to the CAF Champions League Group Stage isn’t a straightforward one for the NPFL Champions as they face Liberian champions, Watanga FC and in the event that they progress as many imagine they might, they are going to then lock horns with defending Champions Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.

Nevertheless, Rivers United midfielder Joseph Onoja is assured Rivers United have what it takes to get into the group stage and win the CAF Champions League, saying profitable the title is the staff’s main precedence.

https://twitter.com/onojajo/status/1557785744730738688

— (@onojajo) December 6, 2017

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With an interview with GOAL, the previous Heartland FC and Gombe United midfielder spoke with confidence as his staff gear as much as face Liberian Champions Watanga FC.

“It’s draw for us however there are not any simple groups in Africa whenever you speak concerning the Caf Champions League,” Onoja advised GOAL.

“They’re champions of Liberia and that is a sign we won’t have it simple once we come in opposition to them.

“Nonetheless, we’re very ready to get the job achieved. As champions of the NPFL, Nigerians anticipate rather a lot from us and we can not afford to allow them to down.

“It has been some time since a staff from Nigeria gained the Caf Champions League and we’re aiming to finish this drought. That is our greatest motivation however we are going to take each match as they arrive.”

Rivers United will host Watanga on the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium earlier than flying to Liberia for the reverse fixture.

The Rivers United midfield whiz additionally believes that Rivers United have what it takes to scale previous defending champions Wydad Casablanca in the event that they defeat Watanga FC.

“We’re not there [in the second round] but, however they’re unavoidable if we progress,” he continued.

“Having emerged as Nigerian champions in a league that has nice groups like Enyimba, Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers, I don’t suppose we will probably be fearful of them.”

“Little question Wydad AC are probably the most profitable golf equipment in Morocco having amassed titles within the nation in addition to on the continent, nevertheless, we are going to give them a struggle for his or her cash.”

The primary leg of the Caf Champions League first spherical will probably be held between September 9 to 11, 2022 whereas the second leg will happen from September 16 to 18, 2022.

ABIAZIEM OLISA