Warri Wolves have quickly turned their attention to their next Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) assignment against Kwara United, following a 2-0 defeat to Rivers United in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The Seasiders will return to action on Sunday when they host Kwara United at their temporary home ground in Ozoro, Delta State, with the team seeking to respond strongly after suffering another setback on the road.
The defeat at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium means Warri Wolves are still searching for their first point of the season. Rivers United took the lead in the 21st minute before adding a second goal late in the encounter to seal maximum points.
Despite the result, Warri Wolves head coach Hassan Abdallah used the second half to make significant changes as he attempted to inject greater attacking intensity into his side.
Ayila Olayemi replaced Sanni Ahmed, Olisema Cyril came on for David Joseph, while Isreal Oladeji took the place of Blessing Ndubuisi.
The substitutions provided Warri Wolves with more attacking energy after the interval, but the visitors were unable to convert their opportunities or prevent Rivers United from extending their advantage late in the game.
Abdallah: Warri Wolves Are Still a Work in Progress
Speaking after the match, Coach Abdallah admitted that he expected more from his players based on the work carried out during training and preparations for the encounter.
However, the coach maintained that the defeat would not alter his assessment of the team, describing Warri Wolves as a side still undergoing development.
Abdallah pointed to the number of young players in the squad and noted that they have already had to face two strong opponents away from home early in the campaign.
According to the coach, the experience gained from such difficult fixtures should help the players improve and develop a better understanding of each other as the season progresses.
The focus, therefore, is now on ensuring that the squad learns from its opening matches and produces a stronger performance when Kwara United arrive in Ozoro.
Warri Wolves Face Kwara United at Home
The clash with Kwara United represents another opportunity for the Seasiders to begin turning their campaign around.
Playing in front of their home supporters could provide Warri Wolves with an added boost as they look to put the Rivers United defeat behind them.
Kwara United will also be looking to secure a positive result, setting the stage for an important NPFL encounter in Ozoro.
For Abdallah and his young squad, the immediate objective will be to translate their training-ground preparations into a more effective performance on matchday.
The Warri Wolves players will need to show greater attacking efficiency while maintaining concentration at the back if they are to claim their first points of the campaign.
With the season still in its early stages, the Seasiders will hope Sunday’s meeting with Kwara United marks the beginning of a positive change in fortunes.
