The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Asekunowo

  • Asekunowo: Rivers Utd are ready to compete

    Asekunowo: Rivers Utd are ready to compete

    Rivers United defender, Ayobami Asekunowo has expressed confidence that the Pride of Rivers will deliver in 2017.

    “We are preparing so well, all the players have resumed back except Gabriel Olalekan that traveled to London to see his family. The players turn up after the Christmas break shows that we are determined and focus to meet our targe,” Asekunowo told Goal.

    “Yes, the players are ready to deliver both in the league and CAF Champions League trophy because the Rivers State Government have done so well in terms of motivation both morale, financial and in kind, it’s now left for the players to deliver.

    “The team is highly motivated to deliver and the focus right now is contagious. I am saying this with all confidence I have in the players here in our team that no team or teams will be a major worry to Rivers United ambition of lifting the NPFL trophy in 2017,” he added.

    Stanley Eguma’s side had an excellent preparation ahead the 2017 football season where they’ll feature in three major tourneys; The Nigerian League, Federation Cup and the CAF Champions League.

  • Rivers United’s Asekunowo amazed by Spain experience

    Rivers United’s Asekunowo amazed by Spain experience

    Rivers United defender, Ayobami Asekunowo has admitted that he has learnt a lot in Spain but noted there aren’t much changes.

    “The training tour of Spain is an amazing experience for the entire squad. The facilities here are top notch and their approach is very professional,” Aseknuowo told Goal.

    “We are doing very fine despite the cold here, our next match is on Monday. There isn’t much difference compared to Nigeria however, the weather here is something else, it’s really cold. The facilities here are amazing.

    “The exposure for the team doesn’t come better than this, it has in a way built our confidence level and also exposed us to new ideas. It’s an interesting tour which we shall forever be grateful for,” Ayobami Asekunowo told Goal.

  • Asekunowo disappointed after draw with Abia Warriors

    Asekunowo disappointed after draw with Abia Warriors

    Rivers United have given up hopes of becoming Nigerian champions, if words by defender, Ayobami Asekunowo is anything to go by.

    “I am shocked at the result on Sunday, it’s now pretty difficult and we are now condemned to win our last match this season against Akwa United in Uyo to secure the second position, ” Asekunowo told Goal.

    “Nobody is happy with the result because we didn’t expect to drop point at this crucial state. We have fought so hard from the start of the season but the result on Sunday hurts so bad,  it’s really painful that we drew our last home game.”

    Securing a continental slot for Rivers United may become a mirage as both FC Ifeanyi Ubah, 56 points and Wikki Tourist, 54 points sit behind with a match to go.

  • Rivers Utd’s Asekunowo reveals State Governor’s promise

    Rivers United defender Ayobami Asekunowo has revealed that the governor of Rivers State has promised the players a gift if they win their maiden domestic title.

    The defender has admitted that playing on the continent is very important but lifting the NPFL trophy will be a wonderful achievement especially for Mr Wike.

    “The confidence in camp is very high, yes playing on the continent is very important but we are also longing for the league title for the club, for the fans and the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike because of his promise to the team,” Asekunowo told Goal.

    “If we end up as runners up we may not get anything. But I remember he gave us his word when we defeated Shooting Stars at home that we should win the NPFL trophy and leave the rest to him. We do trust the governor because we know what he is capable of doing and that’s why we are fighting hard to win the league.

    “We shall focus on our games, a double win should make us champions.”

  • Rivers United looking to bounce back, says Asekunowo

    Rivers United looking to bounce back, says Asekunowo

    Rivers United FC defender, Ayobami Asekunowo has insisted his side are looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Enugu Rangers last weekend.

    Enugu Rangers ran out 4-0 winners at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium in a week 34 NPFL tie, and Asekunowo said they’ve gotten over what he describes as their ‘poorest performance.’

    “Yes we have but not fully, that was our poorest performance this season but that defeat won’t in any way affect our focus on the league title,” Asekunowo told Goal.

    With four matches left for Rivers United, Asekunowo engaged in a simple calculation that would favour the Port Harcourt-based team.

    “We still have two home and away matches.

    “This weekend we shall play against Warri Wolves at home and trust me we shall vent the anger from that defeat in Enugu on them.

    “Once we record a win we should reclaim the top position.

    “We shall proceed to Bauchi to face Wikki Tourist with a target to pick a point which will seal our title hopes.

    “We shall come back home to host Abia Warriors which is a must win for us then we shall head to Uyo for our last match of the season against Akwa United,” Ayobami explained.

    While Wikki Tourists will give all it can to secure a continental slot, Abia Warriors will be battling to survive the drop, the defender carefully explained why that won’t be a problem.

    “Abia Warriors will visit us here in Port Harcourt, so you should expect a win for Rivers United because as it stands now we can’t afford to drop a point at home.

    “Wikki Tourist dropped a point at home to Lobi Stars .

    “Wikki Tourist will proceed from here to Makurdi to face Nasarawa United which will be tough to pick a point.

    Well, they may target a third place finish.”