By Oris Lilian
WARRI/Nigeria: Warri Wolves are looking to put their midweek setback behind them as they prepare to host Kwara United in a Nigeria Premier Football League encounter in Ozoro on Sunday, September 20.
The Seasiders suffered a 2-0 defeat to Rivers United in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, leaving them without a point from their opening two league matches of the 2026/27 campaign.
Rivers United took the lead in the first half through Abdurrasheed Dabai before Chinemerem Ugwueze added a second goal in the closing stages to secure victory for the home side.
Warri Wolves head coach Hassan Abdallah responded to the match situation with three substitutions at the beginning of the second half. Ayila Olayemi replaced Sanni Ahmed, Olisema Cyril came on for David Joseph, while Isreal Oladeji took the place of Blessing Ndubuisi.
The changes brought greater attacking intent to the visitors’ play, but the team was unable to find a breakthrough before Rivers United extended its advantage.
Speaking after the match, Abdallah said the performance fell short of what he had anticipated from the players, considering the preparations and training sessions preceding the encounter.
The coach, however, described the team as a work in progress, noting that several young players had now gained experience against two strong opponents away from home.
He expressed confidence that the squad would develop greater understanding as the season advances, while directing attention towards preparations for the next league assignment.
Warri Wolves will face Kwara United at home on Sunday, with the club seeking to secure its first points of the campaign and build momentum for the matches ahead. The fixture is listed for 4:00 p.m. on September 20.
