Chinedu Udoji, the Captain of Enyimba International FC of Aba on Friday said he was optimistic that the team would defeat Rangers International of Enugu when they meet on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the teams will clash in Port Harcourt in a rescheduled Match Day 28 tie of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Udoji told NAN that as league defending champions, the club would ensure Rangers was defeated to keep their hope for a title defence alive.
“I respect Rangers for what they have achieved this season but as league defending champions, we are desirous of retaining the league title.
“Our match with them on Sunday is like a local derby and as such we will not take chances and we will try as much as possible to avoid too many mistakes.
“That is the only way to keep Rangers on check and also defeat them and I am sure that we will overcome them,’’ Udoji said.
He said that playing away from home had not affected the team in any way as the players were all professional who could adapt to any situation.
“It is always a source of worry to know that your fans are not with you when you are playing because you are playing away from home.
“However, we have gotten used to it because we are professionals and I am an optimistic person; I don’t give up on challenges because it’s all about finishing well.
“We have started picking our forms back, so, we have a lot of confidence that we will retain the title because you have to play till the end of the season to know the league champions,’’ he said.
Udoji commended the state government and the management of the club for the motivation given to the players so far.
NAN reports that in the other fixtures, Nasarawa United will face El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, while Akwa United engage Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in Match Day 29.
Other matches are Ifeanyi Ubah against Kano Pillars, Lobi Stars versus Warri Wolves, MFM FC engage Plateau United as Niger Tornadoes face Abia Warriors.
In other encounters, Rivers United FC trade tackles with Ikorodu United, while 3SC square up against Sunshine Stars of Akure. (NAN)