Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Rivers United recorded an impressive 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors in a pre-season friendly played at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba as preparations for the 2026/27 campaign gathered momentum.
The Pride of Rivers produced a disciplined performance to overcome their fellow NPFL side, with new signing Wasiu Falolu opening the scoring in the encounter. Falolu found the back of the net after capitalising on a well-worked attacking move, giving Rivers United a deserved first-half lead.
Rivers United maintained their dominance after the break, controlling possession and creating several goalscoring opportunities. Their persistence paid off when they added a second goal to seal a comfortable victory, capping an encouraging outing for head coach Finidi George and his technical crew.
The friendly formed part of Rivers United’s preparations for a demanding season in which the Port Harcourt club will compete in both the NPFL and the CAF Champions League. Finidi used the match to assess his squad, including several new signings, while fine-tuning tactics ahead of the commencement of the new campaign.
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The victory will boost the confidence of the Rivers United squad, particularly after an active transfer window that has seen the club strengthen several departments. New arrivals are expected to play key roles as the former NPFL champions seek to challenge for the league title and make a strong impact on the continental stage.
Abia Warriors also used the fixture to test their readiness for the new season, despite falling to defeat on home soil. The Umuahia-based club is expected to continue its pre-season programme as it aims to improve on last season’s performance.
For Rivers United, the result is another positive step in pre-season preparations, with the coaching staff expected to build on the performance before the start of competitive action. The display against Abia Warriors highlighted the team’s attacking quality, defensive organisation and growing understanding among both new and existing players.
With the new NPFL season drawing closer, Rivers United will be encouraged by the performance in Aba as they continue their quest to compete successfully on both the domestic and continental fronts. The victory also underlined the club’s determination to begin the new campaign on a strong footing.
