Rivers United Coach Says He Exploited Kano Pillars Weaknesses

Second half substitute, Bernard Ovoke, struck nine minutes after he was introduced to hand Rivers United a 1-0 win over Kano Pillars in a terse and tightly-fought Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game on Sunday.

Kano Pillars head coach, Mohammed Baba Ganaru, refused to speak to the media after the game but the club’s left back, Zikiye was more forthcoming as he told Rivers United Media afterwards that a momentary lapse in concentration cost Sai Masu Gida a share of the spoils.

“We played very well but a little mix-up in our defence cost us the game.

“We were able to hold our own; we are no pushovers. We are a very strong side,” he said.

Ovoke remained humble despite his barnstorming display which acted as the catalyst for an important win for the home side.

“I just want to say ‘thank you’ to God Almighty who made it possible for me,” he said.

On his part, Eguma explained that he had studied the opposition painstakingly with the intent of neutralizing their strengths while exploiting perceived weaknesses.

“I had been monitoring Kano Pillars for a while now and I know how they play.

“They play a possession-based game with a view of running down the clock in away games but in the end, our tactical plans worked to perfection,” he said.

Sunday’s win lifts United up four places on the log as they now occupy the fourth spot on the NPFL standings with 19 points from 12 matches.

Pillars drop two places to eighth with 18 points from 11 matches.

Sammy Wejinya