Eguma calm despite Rivers United’s perfect start to NPFL season

Stanley Eguma is not getting carried away by Rivers United’s excellent start to this season’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

United moved to the top of the standings following a 1-0 victory over Abia Warriors in Aba on Saturday (January 2). Fortune Omoniwari’s 29th minute strike which sealed the victory means that Rivers United have now won their last four games in all competitions.

As an experienced trainer, Eguma is however taking nothing for granted, noting that it is too early to start counting gains.
“So far so good, we have played two games and recorded two wins, so it’s good for us,” Eguma told SPNAfrica News. “Well I think that is not the end of it all, it’s just the beginning.
“It’s good we’re beginning well but we’re not going to relent because we know that it is a long race, so it is not yet time for celebration.”

Two Rivers United players have been shown red cards in the club’s two games so far this term. Cletus Emotan was dismissed in the club’s home win against Enugu Rangers on match day one with Esor Nelson also getting the marching orders in Saturday’s success in Aba.

Eguma says his team must work on their discipline if set objectives are to be met.
“We cannot afford to have these sorts of situations again,” he added. “Getting players suspended so early in the season is not a good thing.
“I have spoken to the boys and I’m sure we will correct that aspect of our game.”

United will now turn their attention towards Wednesday’s first round second leg CAF Confederation Cup clash against South African club, Bloemfontein Celtics. The Nigerians won 2-0 in the first leg and are heavy favourites to progress to the playoff stage of the competition.

Eguma knows that recent results will put his charges in great shape to complete the job in Port Harcourt. 
“I know that these two results we just got will really give my boys that confidence and put us in good shape as we prepare for the challenge in the CAF Confederation Cup match that’s coming up in the next 48 hours.”
“We are going to build from this result today and get better in subsequent matches.”