PRE-MATCH PREVIEW: Akwa United vs Rivers United Match Day 25 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is filled with intriguing fixtures, and the contest between Akwa United and Rivers United is certainly one of them. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo's storied 'Nest of Champions', will host the game on Wednesday, February 19. The last time both sides met in the NPFL was on October 16, 2024, with Rivers United emerging victorious 2-1. Akwa United and Rivers United began the 2024/25 season in similar fashion, as the Uyo club played out a goalless draw in Lafia against Lobi Stars. However, a poor run of form has seen them drop to 19th place on the log with 23 points from 24 matches. In contrast, Port Harcourt-based Rivers United claimed a goalless draw with Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Match Day 1 and currently sit in 4th position with 38 points from 24 matches. The stakes will be extremely high on Wednesday, as the 'Promise Keepers' will be eager to earn maximum points to keep their survival hopes alive, particularly after earning a 2-1 win in their last home game against Enyimba FC on February 9, 2025. Akwa's head coach, Kennedy Boboye, will depend on his talisman Chijoke Alaekwe as he seeks to topple the 'Pride of Rivers' on Wednesday. Alaekwe Chijoke has scored 5 goals in 20 appearances for Akwa United this season. Other personnel likely to feature for Akwa on Wednesday include Endurance Ebedebiri, Etim Aniefiok, Jacob Ogunleye, and feared marksman Uche Sabastine. Uche Sabastine scored Akwa's winner in their last outing in Uyo against Enyimba, and the Rivers United rear guard will need to pay the power forward player close attention. Boboye is full of respect for United but insists his side will not give anything to chance on Wednesday. Rivers United Technical Manager, Finidi George, is optimistic about getting a good result from the 'Uyo expedition'. "If we put up the kind of showing we did in Aba, we will win," he said simply. A compelling contest awaits, and fireworks are guaranteed at the Nest of Champions. Form Guide (Last Five NPFL Matches) Akwa United Form Team: L, W, L, D, L Last 5 Matches Analysis: 5 Matches, 4 Goals, average 0.8 goals scored per game. 1 Win, 1 Draw, 3 Losses Rivers United FC: Form team: L, W, L, D, L Last 5 matches analysis: 5 Matches, 4 Goals, average 0.8 goals scored per game. 1 Win, 1 Draw, 3 Losses Previous Meetings (Head-to-Head) Matches: Six (6) Akwa United Wins: One (1) Rivers United Wins: Three (3) Draws: Two (2) Details (Specific Breakdown) Rivers United 2-1 Akwa United (Oct 6,2025) Akwa United 3-1 Rivers United (Jun 23,2024) Rivers United 2-1 Akwa United (Jan 16, 2024) Akwa United 1-1 Rivers United (Apr 2, 2022) Rivers United 4-1 Akwa United (Mar 20, 2022) Akwa United 2-1 Rivers United (Dec 18, 2019) Mayuku Charles Media Director, Rivers United FC 19th February, 2025