EMBATTLED Warri Wolves yet to recover from the Federation Cup defeat in the hands of Enyimba last Sunday in Lagos are in for a crunchy affair tomorrow (Wednesday) against relegation-haunted Lobi Stars in Globacom Premier League Week 32 game.
The Solomon Ogbeide-piloted side are among the top six clubs on the log and any attempt to drop a point more so at home now could push them out of contention for the league title and a ticket to next year's continental championship.
With an outstanding away game against Kwara United, the Seasiders may have put the memory of last Sunday's defeat behind them thus, will like to pick up the pieces so as to claim governor Emmanuel Uduaghan's largesse at the end of the season.
Only last Sunday, Wolves had lost a two-week vacation in France promised by Dr Uduaghan as well as Avensus cars to each of the players if they had won the Federation Cup.
It is doubtful if coach Ogbeide will parade Super Eagles defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe in tomorrow's clash with the Makurdi Bombers as he would still be nursing his missed penalty kick in the dramatic final played at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
However, Lobi Stars can still come out of Warri empty-handed if the likes of Musa Najere, Joseph Osadiaye, Gift Atulewa and Oghenekaro Etebo, among others are in their best element for the midweek thriller.
Another fixture to follow will be at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt where Sharks and ABS of Ilorin will be on parade.
The new-found form of the Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki boys if maintained may see them leave the Garden City with a point but coach Gbenga Ogunbote could also go to sleep in the game if his wards get their act together moreso with the 1-1 draw in Ibadan against Shooting Stars Sports Club serving as a morale booster.
3SC will be away to Heartland FC in a make or mar match as the Oluyole warlords are neck deep in the murky relegation waters after 31 games, thus are in dire need of outright win to get some respite..
Veteran defender, Mutiu Adegoke before leaving for Owerri with his teammates was full of confidence that it is payback time having lost 0-2 to the Naze Millionaires in the first round.
"If Heartland could come to Ibadan and beat us, I believe we can as well achieve the same feat on a good day. In fact, we still believe in ourselves that it is not yet over. We are well prepared for Heartland and we want to use the game to win the hearts of our fans back," said the former Enyimba player.
Heartland it will be recalled have lost thrice at home this season to Nembe City, Enyimba and Kwara United respectively.
.........
Week 32 fixtures, Wednesday, September 18
Heartland vs Shooting Stars
Sharks vs ABS
Rangers vs Akwa United
Nasarawa Utd vs Bayelsa Utd
Enyimba vs Wikki Tourists
Nembe City vs Kano Pillars
Warri Wolves vs Lobi Stars
Kaduna United vs Dolphins
Kwara United vs Gombe United
Sunshine Stars vs El-Kanemi
Caption: Warri Wolves players warm up before last Sunday's game in Lagos.
No comments:
Post a Comment