We knew Lobi Stars would be tough - Rivers United's Morice Chukwu

Marice played a key role as Rivers United started their title defense with a win.

We knew Lobi Stars would be tough - Rivers United's Morice Chukwu

Izuchukwu Akawor 23:56 - 15.01.2023

The Pride of Rivers star has already set his sights on more wins after a difficult opener against Lobi

Rivers United defender Morice Chukwu has admitted that they knew Lobi Stars would be a difficult game for them.

The defending champions were pushed to dig deep before a late penalty handed them a 2-1 win over the 10-man visitors, who had Sunday Chukwu sent off in the second half.

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Chukwu gave the champions a first half lead when he opened the scoring in the 16th minute in Port Harcourt.

Lobi Stars fought back to equalise just before the hour mark but a late penalty from Bolaji Sakin gave the Pride a hard-fought win and all three points.

Marice played a key role as Rivers United started their title defense with a win.

We knew it would be tough

After the game, the defender spoke to the media and admitted that the Port-Harcourt side never expected an easy game against their counterparts from Makurdi.

According to the scorer of the opening goal of the season for the champions, the Pride of Rivers had to respect the Stars.

Rivers United boss Stanley Eguma dishes instructions to his players.

"Before the game we knew it was going to be tough for us," Chukwu said. "But we had to respect the opponents."

He also noted that their manager told them to take every game like a cup final and he's happy they were able to seal all three points.

Marice Chukwu.

"Our coach told us that every game that we have to play we must approach like a cup final, which we did in the second half," he added.

"So, i thank God that we won the game and three points."

Chukwu eyes more points

After the win against Lobi Stars, the defender is already looking for more points on the table.

United are on the road next as they travel to Ondo State to take on Sunshine Stars of Akure.

Chukwu believes the Pride of Rivers are better placed to pick another three points when they lock horns with Akure Stars.

"I believe as we are going away on Wednesday, we are going to pick more points there (against Sunshine Stars in Akure)," he concluded.

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