Rivers United will be aiming to bounce back from their recent wobbles when they take on Niger Tornadoes in a rearranged Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture this Sunday.
The Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt will host the crucial encounter, which sets the stage for a doubleheader between the two teams as they will meet again in the Federation Cup on Wednesday, May 22nd.
The rescheduled league match offers both teams a chance to improve their precarious positions in the lower half of the table. Rivers United sits in 12th place, while Niger Tornadoes occupies 11th, with just a single point separating them.
Recent form paints a contrasting picture for the upcoming opponents. Rivers United have struggled for consistency, managing just one win in their last five games (WLDLL). In contrast, Niger Tornadoes have shown greater stability, picking up three victories in their last five outings (WWLWL).
Historically, encounters between these sides have been tightly contested affairs. Their last meeting in Kaduna this season saw Niger Tornadoes edge out a narrow 1-0 victory. A look back at the last five meetings reveals a balanced rivalry, with two wins apiece for both teams and a draw.
The rescheduled league fixture serves as a crucial warm-up for their upcoming Federation Cup clash. With both teams seeking points to climb the NPFL table, Sunday’s encounter promises to be a fiercely contested battle at the Liberation Stadium.
