BY PAUL EREWUBA
Reining League champions, Rangers International of Enugu, would tomorrow, at the Umuahia Township Stadium, confront Abia Warriors in what league watchers have dubbed an oriental derby.
Chairman of the Umuahia outfit, Emeka Inyama, who has charged all 20 top-flight clubs in Nigeria to “play fair” in the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season is already talking tough ahead of today’s encounter.
The Warriors seem to be in good runs, as they prepared for the new season, beating Port Harcourt-based club, Rivers United 1-0 in their latest tune-up game decided at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Inyama who was impressed with the win took the time to assess their opponents.
“Rivers United are a very good side and they played very well even in defeat.
“I have followed them closely and I think their preparations for the season have been excellent.
“They had pre-season tours to Kaduna, Abuja, Enugu and finally in Spain.
“They have shown they are a very serious club and I wish them the best as they represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League this year”.
“All clubs must strive to play fair as we try to eradicate the win-at-home-at-all-costs syndrome. We must all try to play fair in both home and away matches.
“Abia Warriors for one will be aiming for true professionalism because we understand that it goes beyond the three points.”
Speaking further about tomorrow’s game, he said it’s a game they must win to announce their title ambition.
