Rivers United captain Temple Emekayi has issued a stirring call to arms for his teammates ahead of their vital Nigeria Premier Football League clash against table-toppers Remo Stars scheduled for Sunday in Port Harcourt.
The urgent plea from the skipper comes after a disappointing week that saw the Pride of Rivers suffer consecutive defeats a 1-0 loss to Bayelsa United in NPFL action followed by a shocking 2-1 elimination from the President Federation Cup at the hands of lower-tier Beyond Limits FA on Wednesday.
Speaking exclusively to our correspondent, Emekayi acknowledged the team’s recent struggles but emphasized that their championship aspirations remain alive despite trailing league leaders Remo Stars by eight points.
“I understand it will take some effort to regain our momentum, but our objectives in the league should provide sufficient motivation for everyone in the squad,” Emekayi stated.
With the season entering its final stretch, the captain stressed the critical importance of each remaining fixture, particularly Sunday’s showdown against the league leaders.
“Every match now carries tremendous significance, as has been the case for some time. The competition has been incredibly tight and competitive,” Emekayi noted. “We are determined to secure silverware, which remains our primary goal. However, we must maintain our focus on the immediate tasks rather than looking too far ahead.”
“We need to approach this campaign day by day, match by match. Remo Stars is our next challenge, and we must prepare thoroughly for this contest before shifting our attention elsewhere,” the Rivers United skipper added.
Sunday’s clash at Port Harcourt carries enormous implications for the title race. A victory for the hosts would reduce Remo Stars’ advantage to just five points with six matches remaining in the campaign, potentially setting up a dramatic conclusion to the season.
Rivers United’s home form will be crucial as they look to reignite their championship push and deliver the response their captain has demanded from his fellow teammates.
