NPFL: How fatigue affected champions Rivers United in Bauchi

Rivers United coach Stanley Eguma

NPFL: How fatigue affected champions Rivers United in Bauchi

Izuchukwu Akawor 14:26 - 12.05.2023

NPFL champions Rivers United are still on course to defend their domestic title this season but were forced to dig deep for a point in Bauchi.

Rivers United manager Stanley Eguma has explained how his team struggled with fatigue against Wikki Tourist in Bauchi.

Eguma and his boys were visitors to the Tourists in a rescheduled NPFL on Thursday evening.

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The Pride of Rivers came from behind to snatch a point on the road thanks to Albert Korvah in the second half.

Rivers United fortunate in Bauchi

The home side started on a bright note in what was a decisive match for them as they look to escape relegation to the NNL.

NPFL: Wikki Tourist
Rivers United were Nigeria's only team left in CAF compeititions.

After a goalless opening first half, Wiki Tourist took the lead following a goal-mouth scrabble just before the hour mark through Victor Okoro.

But the lead lasted just 10 minutes before Albert Korvah forced a share of the spoils with the equaliser.

Rivers United manager Eguma noted after the match that his Pride of Rivers were fortunate to take a point as they were fatigued heading into the game.

"We had a lot of scoring chances which we missed,” Eguma said. “They got a penalty and missed, but I think it was a good game, it was a balanced game.”

NPFL:  Wikki Tourist vs Rivers United
Rivers United head coach Stanley Eguma says his team was fatigued against Wikki Tourist.

“Technically, the two teams played a good game. We had a little bit of fatigue on us, I think it affected us in our game today. We prefer to get the three points, I wouldn't say unfortunately, but fortunately, we got a draw.”

“It's ok, you can see that we almost played with our second team here. Most of our key players that have been playing in the continent are not here today because of injury and fatigue, we had to rest them at home."

"We take every game as they come, today we planned to win here but we got a draw. We will go back home, correct our mistakes and intensify our preparations for the next game. I think we will come out better in the next game."

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