The Pride of Rivers goalkeeper, Darlintin Godwish Ovunda has told www.aclsports.com that reigning champions, Rivers United’s hardwork is finally paying off.
Ovunda was the indubitable Man of the Match on Saturday evening when current Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Rivers United held Abia Warriors 0-0 in a rescheduled Match Day 9 game in Umuahia.
The result meant that Rivers United moved to second in Group B behind Lobi Stars and with a game in hand. Ovunda says the results are products of the team’s hardwork.
“That’s the evidence of hardwork,” began the SKE Academy product to www.aclsports.com
“When they say hard work pays, this is it. We really work hard, we train hard every day. We are so much focused and committed on our games this time around. That is why we are getting these results,” he added. Talking about how Rivers United’s hardwork is finally paying off.
Ovunda pulled off a number of magnificent saves on Saturday including a penalty stop in the 68th minute to deny Lukman Bello for Abia Warriors. It was his first league appearance this season after having played two consecutive CAF Champions League games last September.
“I feel great but first of all I give God all the glory. It’s not by my own strength, I just thank God for the performance and I also thank my coaches for giving me the opportunity and believing in me and also my teammates,” he said.
Rivers United are blessed with four good goalkeepers in their goalkeeping department which includes Ghanaian Seidu Mutawakilu and experienced duo Sochima Victor Ndukauba and Abiodun Akande.
Ovunda says the presence of these top goalkeepers has turned out well for the team.
“If I may say, we are not into a competition but we are into defending the badge of the team. If anyone is given the opportunity, he just has to defend the badge of the team and do well for yourself and you can see that’s what we have been doing.”
Ovunda is expected to be in the Match Day squad when Rivers United face DC Motema Pembe in a CAF Confederation Cup group game at the Nest of Champions in Uyo on Wednesday.
