NPFL Play Off: Gibson Mark was my joker against Sunshine Stars- Eguma

By Ifeanyi Eduzor

Coach of Nigeria Premier League defending champions, Rivers United of Port Harcourt, Stanley Eguma has described his Liberian import, Gibson Mark as the joker he used against Sunshine Stars of Akure in their Match Day 1 of the ongoing NPFL Play Off involving six teams.

The Pride of Rivers recorded a 1-0 victory over the Akeredolu boys to gain the maximum three points at stake.

It took the introduction of Mark in the second half of  game for the defending champions to  gain a penalty that resulted in the only game of the match.

Speaking after the encounter, Eguma said he knew that Mark when introduced in the game will torment his opponents defenders and make them commit a penalty noting that he’s happy his plans worked out

” We played against a very tough opponent and as the game was wining  down, I knew that the only way I can win the match was to introduce my joker, Gibson Mark whom I know can make Sunshine defenders commit penalty and it worked for us.

On their plans for their next opponent in Match Day 2 of the tournament on Monday, the well experienced coach explained that they will approach each game with seriousness even as he sounded optimistic that his team is capable of retaining the League title.

Meanwhile in the other  matches decided at Match Day 1, Enyimba of Aba played a 2-2 draw with Remo Stars while the game between Bendel Insurance and Lobi Stars ended goalless.

Action resumes Monday at the same venue with the first match starting by 2pm while the second and third matches are slated for 4pm and 6 pm respectively.