NPFL Match Day 3 Preview: Rivers United Targets Win Against El-Kanemi Warriors

Posted : 06 September 2025

The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 3 promises an intriguing encounter as Rivers United FC travels to Maiduguri to face El-Kanemi Warriors. Both sides remain unbeaten in the opening fixtures, and the clash offers an opportunity to assert early-season dominance and gain a psychological edge over a top-five rival.

Rivers United have reasons to be confident heading into this fixture. Their last league triumph in Maiduguri came in March 2025, when goals from Taofeek Otaniyi and Samson Obi secured a 2-1 win.

Under coach Finidi George, the Pride of Rivers have avoided defeat in their previous two games against the Desert Warriors and have not lost an away league match in Maiduguri since May 6. With victories over Kwara United and a draw against Remo Stars, the team enters Sunday’s encounter in strong form, eager to underline their title ambitions.

El-Kanemi Warriors have also made an impressive start to the season. The Desert Warriors have not conceded a goal in their first two matches, beginning with a 2-0 win against Bendel Insurance and followed by a goalless draw with Ikorodu City.

Their defensive resilience and unbeaten record make them formidable opponents on home soil, especially at the El-Kanemi Stadium, where they have avoided defeat in their last five league games.

Coach Finidi George stressed the importance of the match for Rivers United’s title hopes. “If you want to win the league, these are the matches you must win. Even if you don’t get all three points, a draw is valuable.

A strong performance in the first round gives you the chance to fight for the league,” he said, acknowledging the competitive nature of the Nigerian top flight.

Both teams will be without their captains due to suspensions from red cards picked up on the opening weekend. Zayad Musa will miss the match for El-Kanemi Warriors, while Temple Emekayi is sidelined for Rivers United. Despite these absences, the clash promises to be fiercely contested as both sides look to maintain their unbeaten starts.

Head-to-Head Record:

March 2025: El-Kanemi Warriors 1-2 Rivers United (Goals: Taofeek Otaniyi, Samson Obi)
May 2018: El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 Rivers United (Alex Aghahowa OG, Michael Ohanu)

NPFL Match Day 3 Preview: Rivers United Targets Win Against El-Kanemi Warriors

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