By Oris Lilian
WARRI/Nigeria: Warri Wolves captain Innocent Orukpe says the Seasiders are capable of earning a positive result against Enyimba International FC as both sides prepare for their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday Nine clash in Aba on Sunday.
Orukpe’s return from injury is expected to boost Warri Wolves as they seek to build consistency in the 2026/2027 season and collect valuable points away from home.
The captain said the team remained motivated ahead of the encounter, stressing that discipline, collective effort and consistency would be essential to achieving its objectives.
“We are highly motivated and focused on the task ahead. We know the league is a marathon, and what matters is how consistently we perform as a team. We must remain disciplined, believe in ourselves and keep working together to achieve our objectives. We are optimistic about getting a positive result in Aba,” Orukpe said.
Head coach Hassan Abdallah has also expressed confidence in the squad, urging his players to approach the match with determination, tactical discipline and concentration.
Abdallah said the team respected Enyimba but remained confident in its ability to compete and secure a favourable outcome.
“We respect our opponents, but we are going into the game with belief in our ability. The players understand what is required of them, and our focus is on putting in a good performance and getting a positive result. We will approach the match with the right mentality and give our best,” the coach said.
Warri Wolves will also look to draw encouragement from their previous meetings with Enyimba during the 2025/2026 campaign. According to the information provided by the club, the Seasiders recorded 2–1 victories in both league encounters, including a win in Aba.
Those results offer a psychological boost ahead of Sunday’s fixture, although the team will need another disciplined performance to overcome the hosts on their home ground.
The Seasiders have had an inconsistent opening to the current campaign, with their first eight matches reportedly yielding three wins, one draw and four defeats. Improving that record will be important as they seek to climb the league standings.
With Orukpe back in contention and Abdallah emphasising organisation and collective responsibility, Warri Wolves will aim to turn their confidence into a strong performance against one of the league’s established sides.
The encounter is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, at Enyimba Stadium, Aba.
