Enyimba - Rivers United predictions and free betting tips [02/06/2024]

Today the Nigerian Premier League will feature last season's champion Enyimba against Rivers United.

Enyimba

Enyimba, the reigning champion of the Nigerian Premier League (NPFL), continues to demonstrate high performance this season, securing a place in the top-4. The team has played 33 matches, winning 17 and earning 56 points. Enyimba's goal difference is 38:26, confirming their status as one of the best teams in the league. Despite their success in the NPFL, Enyimba sensationally lost their last Federation Cup match to Sokoto 0:1, failing to convert two penalties. This unexpected defeat did not affect their strong league performance.

In recent NPFL matches, Enyimba won three consecutive games with identical scores of 1:0. These victories came on 26 May against Abia Warriors, on 22 May against One Rocket in the Cup, and on 28 April against Katsina United.

Enyimba is just 4 points behind the league leader Enugu. Notably, the reigning champions have the best defence in the league, conceding only 26 goals in 33 matches. Additionally, Enyimba has remained unbeaten at home for 12 matches, with 10 wins and just 2 goals conceded. These results highlight the team's high level of organisation and discipline, allowing them to compete for top positions in the championship.

Rivers United

Rivers United consistently sits in the middle of the Nigerian Premier League (NPFL) table, trailing the top-5 by just 5 points. However, given the high density of the table, this is a significant gap. The team has played 33 matches, winning 13, drawing 8, and losing 12. Rivers United's goal difference is 41:33, with a total of 47 points.

In recent NPFL matches, Rivers United achieved two consecutive victories: on 26 May against Sporting Lagos with a score of 4:1 and on 22 May against Niger Tornadoes with a score of 1:0. However, on 29 May, the team suffered a defeat to Sunshine Stars in the Cup with a score of 0:1.

The team traditionally shows poor results in away matches, with 9 losses in the last 11 games. The only victory this season outside their home was in the Confederation Cup on 25 February, when Rivers United beat Academica 3:2. In the current season, the team has no victories in NPFL away matches, and only 2 wins since June 2023 out of 23 encounters.

The defeat in the Federation Cup to Sunshine Stars with a score of 0:1 was another disappointment for Rivers United, who continue to strive for higher positions in the league.

Head-to-Head

In the last five head-to-head meetings between Enyimba and Rivers United, the statistics are as follows: on 11 June 2023, the match ended in a 1:1 draw; on 29 December 2021, Rivers United won 1:0; on 4 July 2021, another draw was recorded at 1:1; on 14 February 2021, Enyimba won in the Confederation Cup with a score of 1:0; and on 12 December 2019, Enyimba also won 1:0.

Match Prediction: Enyimba vs Rivers United

Rivers United is one of the worst away teams in the Nigerian league, with their last victory dating back to mid-last season. Enyimba, traditionally strong at home, is expected to take an easy 3 points in their quest for the championship.