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Tag: Stanley Eguma

  • Eguma targets improvement after Enyimba’s draw in Umuahia

    Eguma targets improvement after Enyimba’s draw in Umuahia

    Enyimba head coach, Stanley Eguma, has hailed his players for their tactical discipline and commitment after the People’s Elephant secured a hard-fought goalless draw against Abia Warriors in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 12 fixture on Sunday.

    The tension-soaked encounter at the Umuahia Township Stadium saw both teams cancel each other out in a display of defensive resilience and technical awareness, with few clear-cut chances at either end.

    Speaking after the game, Eguma expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, describing the result as fair given the quality of their opponents and the difficulty of playing away from home.

     “It was generally a good game; the two teams played a high tactical game,” Eguma told NPFL media. “We are happy to have got the draw, although we planned for the maximum points. Abia Warriors are a stubborn side, and they gave us a tough match.”

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    The experienced tactician praised his players for sticking to the game plan and showing the right mentality throughout the contest. He, however, emphasized that the team would use the performance as a foundation to build on in subsequent matches.

     “Our opponents are a good side, no doubt, and my boys played according to our game plan. We will continue to build on this draw as we look to improve and get better results in our upcoming games,” Eguma added.

    With the result, Enyimba remain sixth on the NPFL table with 17 points from 12 matches as they continue their push toward the top spots in the league standings.

  • Eguma targets  Rivers United’s progress despite pre-season tourney’s  triumph

    Eguma targets  Rivers United’s progress despite pre-season tourney’s  triumph

    Despite lifting the trophy at the 7th  Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Preseason Tournament, Enyimba FC head coach, Stanley Eguma, says the victory is not the ultimate objective and doesn’t call for celebration just yet.

    He  emphasised that the primary goal of participating in the preseason tournament was to critically evaluate his squad — not necessarily to win.

     “This tournament is not about winning alone. It’s an opportunity to assess the team, the players, the quality we have, our flaws, and the strengths of individual players,” Eguma stated.

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    According to the coach, the matches offered a valuable platform to observe how his players perform under pressure, their understanding of the team’s tactical structure, and how quickly they can adapt to his philosophy. He insisted the work has just begun.

     “We are still working and preparing for the season. This is just the beginning. It’s not time to celebrate,” he added, reiterating that the technical crew will continue to fine-tune the team ahead of the upcoming campaign.

    Eguma also extended his gratitude to the management of Enyimba FC for facilitating their participation, and to the tournament organizers for creating an environment where teams can evaluate their preseason readiness.

    Meanwhile, Enyimba’s stand-in captain, Joseph Atule, expressed optimism following the tournament win, describing it as a positive sign.

     “It is a good start for the season. I believe we are going to do well when the season starts,” Atule said.

    He called on fans and supporters of the club to stay behind the team, assuring them that the players are focused and committed to returning Enyimba to continental football.

  • CAFCC:  Eguma tips Enyimba to go down fighting  in Cairo

    CAFCC:  Eguma tips Enyimba to go down fighting  in Cairo

    Enyimba head coach, Stanley Eguma  said the People’s Elephant will go for the broke when they face Zamalek of Egypt in Cairo this weekend in their decisive  CAF Confederation Cup match .

    Speaking  after Enyimba were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup Group D encounter in Uyo on Sunday, Eguma said it is not over yet for the People’s Elephant as they still have all to play for this weekend in Cairo.

    “It was really unfortunate we couldn’t win the game. We trained very hard and mapped out strategies to beat the opponents. Unfortunately, they came to play the games of their lives,” Eguma stated. “Our players respected them so much, especially in the first half; we were lethargic in our approach, and that caused the early goal we conceded. That goal demoralized us so much and most of these players have not played at this level.

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    “It’s not the end of the game. We will still have the next game to play. If Al-Masry can come here and play the game of our lives, we can go to Egypt, and who knows what the outcome of the other games will be. We are still optimistic, it is not over until it is over.”

    Enyimba will face Zamalek in Cairo in a must win tie in their final group game with a win and a place in the next round dependence on the result in the other game with Al Masry and Black Bulls the same Sunday.

    Meanwhile, Zamalek’s assistant coach, Amir Azmin Mujahid, has insisted that the Egyptian club will like to finish the group stage on a high, adding Enyimba won’t enjoy a jolly ride in Cairo.

    “We were eager to secure qualification before the final round to prepare all players and play more comfortably in the upcoming match against Nigeria’s Enyimba”, Mujahid stressed after Zamalek’s 3-1 win over Black Bulls at the Cairo International Stadium.

    The White Knights secured their qualification to the quarterfinals after raising their tally to 11 points, topping the group while Black Bulls remain on four points, occupying the last position.

    Al Masry are second in the group with five points followed by Nigeria’s Enyimba in third place with four points after the two teams drew 1-1 in Uyo.

  • CAF Confederation Cup: Eguma wants solid Rivers United for reverse against Club Africain

    CAF Confederation Cup: Eguma wants solid Rivers United for reverse against Club Africain

    Rivers United head coach, Stanley Eguma said his side must strive for perfection ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup Matchday Four tie with Club Africain of Tunisia in Tunis.

    The Pride of Rivers claimed a 1-0 victory against the Tunisians in the CAF Confederation Cup matchday three encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo as captain Nyima Nwagua scored the winning goal five minutes before break.

    Nwagua struck from close range, from a well-timed through ball from right back Kazie Enyinnaya.

    Eguma stated that his side must keep their feet on the ground ahead of their next game with the same side in Tunis.

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     “We have very strong teams in the group. Today(Sunday) , we’ve picked three points but it’s not yet time for celebration because we have other games to play,” Eguma told journalists. “We’ll go back to Tunis, to ensure we keep a clean slate and then, face other challenges after now.”

    He added: “It was a good and highly technical game. I give kudos to my players for keeping up with their tactical discipline in this game.

     “Club Africain is a good team, there’s no doubt as they played with a lot of tactics.

     “All our tactical plans worked because the players were able to keep their heads down and adhere to instructions.”

    Rivers United are now the third Nigerian club after the defunct BCC Lions and Enyimba to beat Club Africain on the continent.

    The Nigerian flag bearers now have six points from three matches to go joint top of Group C with Club Africain, as Dreams FC of Ghana won 3-2 at APC do Lobito of Angola to stay third in the standings also with six points.

  • Supporters angry as MFM FC drops points against Rivers Utd

    MFM FC supporters were visibly angry on Monday as their team failed to spark after the visiting Rivers United FC claimed a 1-1 draw at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium.

    It was reported that the supporters were not happy with the referee’s decision not to award what they claimed was clear cut penalties to MFM after infringements on their players in the first half.

    A cross section of the fans expressed disappointment with the officiating of the important match which they claimed that the referee contributed to MFM’s unfavourable result.

    Speaking to our reporter, a fan who gave his name as Sheriff claimed that MFM was clearly robbed during the match.

    “’This is a clear robbery in Lagos, the officiating was so poor, we don’t expect this type of officiating at all,’’ he said.

    Another, Tunbosun Agbaje, said that the fans were not happy when games were won or lost by the teams with the aid of the referees.

    “It is unfortunate when teams lose matches with the aid of referees, we are often discouraged when we see this type of match.

    “How do they want us to be coming to watch a pre-determined game. It’s not worth it and our league may not grow if these poor officiating continues,’’ he said.

    Reports confirmed that the Olukoya Boys seeking s redemption after the CAF Confederation Cup ouster needed to win the NPFL Match Day 18 fixture but eventually dropped the valuable points.

    A goal from last year’s BBC Goal of the Month recipient, Sikiru Olatunbosun in the 17th minute should have been added to in the first half but MFM were denied by Rivers United goalkeeper, Rotimi Sunday.

    Rotimi was able to rise to the call to save three goal bound efforts from Nojeem Akinyemi, in the 12th, Olatunbosun’s flick header, 15th and Udeh Zintel 35th minutes.

    The “Pride’’ of Rivers, Coach, Stanley Eguma, however, made a tactical change in the second half with the introduction of Malachi Ohawume to switch from 4:3:2 to 4:4:2 formation in the 63rd minute.

    The introduction of Malachi yielded positive result as Emeka Atuloma fired an outside box shot to the top corner of the net leaving MFM goalkeeper Folarin Abayomi helpless.

    Speaking after the match, Olatunbosun said that he was disappointed.

    “I am disappointed with the outcome of the match which I also share the sentiment that we are clearly robbed.

    “We tried our best to win the match, but in football, you win some and lose some. We will try harder next time,’’ he said.

    NAN

     

  • Confederation cup clash : KCCA vows to score in Port Harcourt

    Confederation cup clash : KCCA vows to score in Port Harcourt

     

    Nigeria’s flag bearers in the CAF Confederation Cup Rivers United will have to up their defence against visiting Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) FC if they are to sing victory song without hitches.

    Indication to this effect emerged when KCCA head coach Hillary Mutebi boasted and predicted that the possibility of his side scoring in the Garden City and even winning should not be ruled out.

    The Ugandan side according to him has something going for them and that is ability to score goals away no matter what.

    “In all our away games in the Confederation Cup, we have only failed to score against FUS Rabat and El-Masry; we always score away from home,” he enthused

    While admitting that Rivers United are not cheap to handle, Mutebi who is eager to top the group said the confidence level in his team is capable of springing a surprise.

    KCCA earned a 2-1 victory against Rivers United in Kampala, a result which took them to the second position on the log with six points, just behind table toppers FUS Rabat.

    Stanley Eguma tutored Rivers United will need to turn the table at the Yakubu Gown Stadium Port Harcourt Stadium Tuesday if they wish progress to the next stage .

    The Garden City boys are heading into the match fresh from a lone goal defeat by Lobi Stars in Makurdi on Friday, and will need to push aside the disappointment of the defeat to bring out their best in CAF Confederation Cup showdown.

    Bolaji Sakin, who scored for United against KCCA, will be hoping to find the back of the net again and help his side earn the much needed victory at home

  • Al-Merreikh Challenge: Eguma shifts focus to goal scoring

    Al-Merreikh Challenge: Eguma shifts focus to goal scoring

     

     

     

     

     

    Rivers United Coach Stanley Eguma has admitted that goal scoring is a major headache for the Garden City side assuring however that the focus of training ahead of the next clash against Al-Merreikh will be on improving on goal scoring on one hand and conversion of set pieces on the other.

    Scoring four goals against As Real Bamako to forge ahead according to him is an indication the team can hold its home on a good day.

    “There is no doubt that goal scoring has been a problem but we are going to focus on that, if we are able to score four goals against Real Bamako, it means we can improve in some areas ahead of subsequent matches and that is what we are going to do,” he said

    Rivers United welcome Sudanese side Al-Merreikh on the 10th of March at the Garden city in a tie which most fans say the Port Harcourt side must win with better margin to stand a good chance in the return leg in Sudan.

    They however admitted that it won’t be a tea party facing Veterans Al-Merreikh who have been featuring in the continental showpiece for close to two decades.

  • Eguma admits: We committed blunders against 3SC

    Eguma admits: We committed blunders against 3SC

    Rivers United’s technical manager, Stanley Eguma has admitted that his boys were complacent against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) during Sunday’s matchday six of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) .

    The Oluyole Warriors ended Rivers United five-match unbeaten run with a 2-1 victory at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

    3SC duo of Sunday Faleye and Jide Apena struck either side of half time to render Lukman Mohammed’s effort in the first period abortive and handed the hosts a well deserved win in Ibadan.

    Eguma noted that his boys committed some blunders after getting equaliser which didn’t help their cause, conceding that his wards lost to a better side on the day.

    “The big lesson that we will take from this game was that we didn’t start well plus some blunders we committed in the second half after getting back into the game with the equaliser. Going five matches unbeaten does not make you invincible and that is something we have to learn,” Eguma said.

    The defeat saw United dropped from fifth to eighth on the NPFL log while 3SC rise from 19th to 12th.

  • We will not give up on NPFL title chase, says Stanley Eguma

    We will not give up on NPFL title chase, says Stanley Eguma

    Rivers United coach Stanley Eguma has commended his players despite their 1-0 defeat to Wikki Tourists in their Nigeria Professional Football League match day 36 on Sunday.

    “We played very well but it was not to be in the end as they scored very late in the game. We cannot complain, but we will continue to work hard to see that we achieve something positive at the end of the season,” Eguma told Rivers United Media.

    The Port Harcourt-based side relinquished their NPFL leadership position following a late minute strike from Christopher Waziri, and the former Dolphins of Port Harcourt coach says his side will bounce back in their remaining two games in the season.

    Rivers are second on the log with 56 points, one point behind leaders, Enugu Rangers with just two games remaining against relegation bound Abia Warriors and Akwa United.

  • We lost to a better side, says Stanley Eguma

    We lost to a better side, says Stanley Eguma

    Rivers United manager, Stanley Eguma has apologised to the fans of the club for a disappointing outing against Enugu Rangers at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium on Sunday.

    Eguma said he was shocked by the result of the game, but insisted that his side will bounce back in their next game.

    “We want to apologise to the fans of Rivers United for such a heavy defeat at this crucial stage of the season,” Eguma told Rivers United Media after the game.

    “We did not see it coming as we prepared very well for this game. I acknowledge that we were beaten by a better side but this is football and these things can happen. We apologise unreservedly to our fans and promise to come back stronger from this.”

    Rivers United are second on the log with 53 points from 32 games and they face Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists, Abia Warriors and Akwa United in their remaining league fixtures as they continue their quest for a first domestic title.