Rivers United emerged champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Super 4 in Enugu.
The competition featured three other football clubs that will represent Nigeria in Caf club competitions in 2017; Enugu Rangers, Wikki Tourists and FC Ifeanyiubah (FCIU).
Rivers United finished the competition with six points from three matches, one point more than Enugu Rangers who finished in second place.
Wikki Tourists finished the competition in third place having amassed four points from three matches while FCIU propped up the rear with a solitary point from the same number of matches as the other three sides.
Speaking after the win, technical manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma praised his wards but insisted ‘the hard work must continue’ as they set their sights on success on three fronts.
“It is always good to win any match or indeed, any competition you enter for but the truth is, the hard work we have put in since November 1 (when the club commenced pre-season) must continue.
“We realize that the real objective is to do well in the league, the Federation Cup and the Caf Champions League next year.
“It is imperative to note here that none of the teams that played in the last Super 4 (Enyimba, Warri Wolves, Nasarawa United and Akwa United) qualified for the continent this season so we have to learn from their mistakes.
“We have seen our strengths and our weaknesses and will continue to work to become an even stronger unit,” Eguma toldwww.riversunitedfc.com.ng moments after the final whistle.
The experienced gaffer also took the time to praise Rivers State Governor, Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike and Commissioner for Sport, Boma Iyaye for their support to the football club.
In a similar vein, club captain, Festus Austin also voiced positive sentiments about the success in the Super 4.
He revealed that he always wanted to lead the club to titles as captain and will not relent as he strives to amass even more silverware with the ‘Pride of Rivers’.
Round Up – NPFL 2016-17 Pre-season Super 4
Match-day One
Wikki Tourists 2-1 FC Ifeanyiubah
Rangers International 2-0 Rivers United
Match-day Two
Rangers Interntional 0-0 Wikki Tourists
Rivers United 2-0 FC Ifeanyiubah
Match-day Three
Rivers United 1-0 Wikki Tourists
Rangers International 1-1 FC Ifeanyi Ubah
Final Table:
1. Rivers United – 6 points (Champions).
2. Rangers Int’l – 5 points.
3. Wikki Tourists – 4 points.
4. FC Ifeanyi Ubah – 1 points.
