NPFL Preview: Rivers United Forward Okonkwo pledge To Nail Akwa United On Sunday

Rivers United striker Chinonso Okonkwo has said his team must win at Akwa United in their final game of the season on Sunday to stay in championship contention.

United virtually handed the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title to Enugu Rangers in Week 37 following a 0-0 draw at home to Abia Warriors.

Okonkwo was philosophical about the dropped points in Port Harcourt last Sunday, but said he believes it is now time to steady the ship with a solid display against ‘The Promise Keepers’ at the Nest of Champions.

“We tried our best and did everything (to score) and get all maximum points against Abia Warriors but it was not to be,” he recalled.

“Nothing worked for us against Abia Warriors on Sunday but God knows why.

“We have put that result behind us.”

The forward then took the time to preview Sunday’s big game against Akwa United at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

United will qualify for next season’s Caf Champions League with a win and Okonkwo said that is a prospect his teammates that have gotten his teammates licking their lips in anticipation.

There is also the mathematical prospect of the ‘Pride of Rivers’ nicking the NPFL title at the death if they win big in Uyo and Rangers suffer an unlikely reverse in their final league fixture of the season at the ‘Cathedral’ against El Kanemi Warriors on Sunday.

“There is a lot of seriousness in this club (Rivers United),” he said.

“We have been in intensive camp all week so as to raise concentration and focus to optimum levels.

“The players, management, coaches and members of the backroom staff are all on the same page – we want success in the game against Akwa United on Sunday.

“Everybody here understands what is at stake and we know that it will be a shameful thing to have started so well and ended without anything to show for it,” he said.

Rivers United are currently in second place on the NPFL standings with 57 points from 35 matches.