CHIDIEBERE NNACHI: ABIA WARRIORS WINGER TARGETS RESPONSE AGAINST RIVERS UNITED

Abia Warriors winger Chidiebere Nnachi says the team is determined to correct the mistakes from their 3–1 defeat to Rangers International when they host Rivers United on Sunday.

The former Enyimba player admits Abia Warriors did not produce their best performance against Rangers, but believes the result was not because Rangers were overwhelmingly impressive.

Nnachi says his side must learn from their mistakes and deliver a much-improved performance against Rivers United, who currently sit second on the league table.

He also had words of respect for Rivers United manager Finidi George, a coach he says he grew up watching and hearing about. However, Nnachi insists that admiration will be put aside once the two teams step onto the pitch.

PLAYER IN FOCUS — CHIDIEBERE NNACHI

Abia Warriors winger Chidiebere Nnachi says the team is determined to correct their mistakes when they face Rivers United on Matchday 8 of the NPFL on Sunday.

The former Enyimba player was speaking after Abia Warriors suffered a 3–1 defeat away to Rangers International in their last league game.

Nnachi believes Abia Warriors did not play their best game against Rangers, but insists there was nothing particularly magical about the league leaders' performance.

CHIDIEBERE NNACHI:

“We didn’t play our best game against Rangers. There was nothing too impressive about them. They didn’t do anything magical. We just didn’t play the way we know we can play, and we made mistakes that cost us.”

With Rangers now top of the table and Rivers United sitting second, Abia Warriors will face the league's top two sides in back-to-back matches.

Nnachi says Sunday's home fixture against Rivers United is an opportunity to put things right.

CHIDIEBERE NNACHI:

“We know the mistakes we made, and we have to correct them. We have the chance to put things right against Rivers United on Sunday, and I believe we can do that and get the victory.”

The winger also spoke highly of Rivers United head coach Finidi George, who he says is a manager he grew up watching and hearing about.

CHIDIEBERE NNACHI:

“Finidi George is someone I grew up watching and hearing a lot about. I believe he is one of the best managers in the league. But when the game starts, all of that doesn't matter. We have a job to do.”

Nnachi also admits he is not satisfied with Abia Warriors' start to the season, but remains confident in the manager and believes he will get more opportunities as the campaign progresses.

CHIDIEBERE NNACHI:

“I’m happy with my own progress, although I’m not happy with the way we’ve started the season as a team. I trust the manager and the way he manages my playing time. As the season goes on, I believe I’ll get more opportunities to play, contribute to the team and help us move higher on the table.”

MATCHDAY 8 SCRIPT

Abia Warriors will welcome Rivers United on Matchday 8 of the NPFL, with the visitors facing a difficult record away to the Umuahia-based side.

Rivers United have not won away at Abia Warriors since 2021, and they are winless in their last five visits to Umuahia.

In fact, Rivers United have managed just one victory in their last 14 away games against Abia Warriors in all competitions.

Another major factor heading into this fixture is Abia Warriors’ home form this season.

The Warriors have not lost a single home game since the start of the campaign, and they will be hoping to maintain that unbeaten record when second-placed Rivers United come to town.

It promises to be another tough test for Abia Warriors, who are coming off a 3–1 defeat away to Rangers.

But with Rivers United also facing a difficult historical record at Abia Warriors, the home side will be confident of getting a positive result and climbing higher up the table.