Rivers United Captain Banks On Home Support For Al Hilal Clash

Festus Omoniwari

Rivers United captain Festus Austin has called on the home fans to turnout massively to support the team this weekend.

The Pride of Rivers takes on Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman this Sunday, October 17, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt when they host the first leg of the 2nd preliminary round of the CAF TotalEnergies Champions League.

Recall that earlier this week Africa’s football governing body, CAF in a letter written to the NFF had approved the admission of 10, 560 spectators for the game.

However, speaking to the club’s official website ahead of the tie, long serving captain, Festus Austin has welcomed the return of the fans and urged supporters to heavily throw their weight behind the team.

“You know the league is not in session, and we have missed our fans, but this is the champions League, and we are lucky that CAF approved fans to be back in the stands and this will go a long way to motivate the team. I will love fans of Rivers United to come out en masse and support the team.”

Rivers United now remains Nigeria’s only flag bearer in the tournament this season, and the club captain stated that the boys are under no pressure to pick a group stage ticket.

“As players we always look forward to winning and sometimes it comes with pressure, but as professionals we often know how to handle it. I think the management has done so well and have not put pressure on us, we feel relaxed, but what matters is our determination to deliver, and we are on the right track and come Sunday it will be a massive victory for Rivers United.”

Rivers United brushed aside Young Africans of Tanzania over two legs (Agg 2-0) in the previous round, and Sunday’s clash is billed for 4pm local time.