Right back, Ali Chiwendi is yet to recover from the groin strain he picked up in Sunday’s 2-0 win over FC Ifeanyi Ubah in Port Harcourt and misses out on the Jos party.
He has been replaced by former Sharks captain, Odinga Odinga who makes his first league start of the season.
Obomate Frederick did not travel to Jos and in his place, former Enyimba attacker, Chukwunonso Okonkwo gets the nod to make his first league start for the Port Harcourt side.
Bernard Ovoke and Wilson Andoh have been dropped for technical reasons with Felix Benjamin and Victor Alegbe starting instead in a fluid-looking midfield.
Concerns however continue to be raised over the unavailability of Obomate who has been involved in all four goals scored by United this season. Eguma has since moved to shrug off such concerns.
“Obomate is an integral member of the squad and he has been scoring goals.
“His absence will be felt but we have other good replacements who can play in midfield and (attack to) score goals.
“I am happy that we have brought in a new striker in Chukwunonso Okonkwo. Asamoah (Godbless) is also back to the team.
“We will not miss Obomate so much because we have other players that can score goals as well,” Eguma said.
Rivers United starting XI
Sunday Rotimi (26)
Chigozie Ihunda (2)
Odinda Odinga (34)
Festus Austin (19)
Olalekan Gabriel (12)
Yusuf Jaiyeola (21)
Felix Benjamin (24)
Christian Weli (27)
Victor Alegbe (10)
Guy Kuemian (9)
Chukwunonso Okonkwo (34)
Substitutes
Anyalogu Godwin (31)
Ayobami Asekunowo (36)
Yaovi Douhadji (5)
Ovoke Bernard (7)
Asamoah Godbless (17)
