Rivers United players escape injury in road accident

Players and officials of Rivers United escaped serious injury after the club's team bus was involved in a road accident on Thursday while traveling to Awka, Anambra State, for their President Federation Cup Round of 16 fixture against Nasarawa United. The incident occurred along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road on the outskirts of Port Harcourt shortly after the team departed from its camp. In a statement issued by the club's Media Officer, Charles Mayuku, Rivers United reported that some players and officials sustained minor injuries, but there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases. "The club can confirm that some players and officials sustained minor injuries in the accident. Thankfully, there have been no fatalities or life-threatening injuries reported. All affected individuals are currently receiving appropriate medical attention and are in stable condition," the statement read. The club's medical team is closely monitoring those affected while management assesses the situation and makes arrangements regarding the team’s travel plans and upcoming Federation Cup fixture. "The safety, health, and well-being of our players and officials remain our utmost priority," the club emphasized. Rivers United also expressed gratitude to supporters, partners, and members of the football community for their concern and prayers following the incident. This accident comes at a crucial stage of the season for the Port Harcourt club, which is still pursuing silverware after narrowly missing out on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title. Coached by Finidi George, the team finished second in the league after an intense title race with Rangers International, who clinched the championship on the final day with 68 points, just one ahead of Rivers United. Nevertheless, Rivers United aims to secure a trophy through the President Federation Cup. In their last outing, they avenged their league disappointment by defeating Rangers 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter to advance to the last 16. The victory came just days after Rangers edged them out for the league title by a single point. Rivers United will now hope the affected players recover quickly as preparations continue for the Round of 16 showdown against Nasarawa United, originally scheduled for Saturday at the Awka City Stadium, Anambra.