Akwa United's title challenge faces a stern test on Wednesday when they travel to Port Harcourt for a rescheduled NPFL fixture against Rivers United.
The 'Promise Keepers', third on the table, are five points behind leaders Plateau United with a game in hand. However, they will do well closing that gap against a Rivers team who recorded their biggest win and best performance of the campaign in a 3-1 victory against Wikki Tourists on Sunday.
Added to that, Akwa's red-hot striker Alhassan Ibrahim is expected to miss the game with a hamstring injury which is set to keep him sidelined for a month.
In terms of replacements the options are slim. Musa Newman has been amongst the goals lately, but all five were scored at home, while Christian Pyagbara, who makes a return to his home city, has failed to inspire confidence, despite his massive domestic experience.
This represents a perfect opportunity for Rivers to improve on their 14th position in a third successive home game as only a point separates them from the last relegation spot occupied by Enugu Rangers. In fact, only three points separate position 12 to 18, so getting the points at home will be crucial going into the final stretch.
