Coach of Rivers United Stanley Eguma has lamented the absence of goal keeper Theophilus Afelokhai and defender Ifeanyi Anaemena in his team.

According to a statement signed by the General Manager of the Club, Okey Kpaluku released 1st March, the duo of Afelokhai and Anaemena were suspended indefinitely by the management for 'unethical and unprofessional sportsman conduct' after a 3-0 defeat to Akwa United at Uyo.

Media speculations emanating from a viral video clip showing Anaemena and Afelokhai involved in own goal incident in the match have suggested the duo were suspended for possible Match Fixing.

Although, the United Management is yet to debunk the claim nor state clearly the reasons for Anaemena and Afelokhai's suspension 22 days after, Eguma in an exclusive Interview with Reliance Udoenyin of Today FM bemoaned the absence of the former Enyimba Players. 

"Yes of course," Eguma responded when ask if he misses the services of the players. 

"You know they're integral members of this team and they've played good roles, a lot of important roles for the team. So, being out of the team now is not good for us. We would've love us as we started as a family and we work together cooperatively. We would've love them to be within the team but the Management is working to ensure that there's sanity in the team and to make sure that we avoid any eventuality in the future. So, there's no cause for alarm in that case," he assured.

In a separate Interview after the 4-1 loss to Lobi Stars at Makurdi, Eguma emphasized that the Pride of Rivers can bounce back to contend for the league title.

"Yeah, We're still on (in the title race). The league is still on. The first half is not even yet over and then we talk of the second round. We are still on. I strongly believe that we can raise the odds, all odds and then come up to contend the league title."

Rivers United are sixth on the NPFL table with 26 points from 16 matches.

The Port Harcourt based Side will next welcome Sunshine Stars to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, where they've maintained 100% winning record since the beginning of this season, on Sunday 28th March .