Stanley Eguma has charged his Rivers United players to give their best this season and take every game as a cup final.

Rivers United began their title defense with a 2-1 win over Lobi Stars at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

Eguma was delighted with the way his team dug deep to earn the victory, but also admits that to retain the league title, the team must avoid any complacency.

“You know defending the trophy is more difficult than winning it because every eye is on us (Rivers United).

“Every team wants to dethrone Rivers United, so we have to approach all our games as if it’s a cup final,” Eguma told RUFC media.

Today at the Ondo Sports Complex, Rivers United will take on Sunshine Stars, the side that halted their 13-game unbeaten run last season.

Sunshine Stars go into Thursday’s encounter having the advantage, the Owena Whales have registered 11 wins and 8 draws from 25 games against Rivers United.

Meanwhile, Rivers United have tallied 6 wins against any of Edith Agoye’s team. The latest encounter ended in a 0-1 defeat at the Ondo State Sports Complex Akure on 21st April 2022.