**South-South Derby: Bayelsa United Coach Downplays Hype** Football enthusiasts in Nigeria's Niger Delta region are eagerly anticipating the South-South derby clash between Bayelsa United and Rivers United in Matchday 28 of the 2025/2026 NPFL season. This highly anticipated encounter will take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Sunday. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Bayelsa United, who have consistently outperformed their Rivers United counterparts in recent meetings, bid to extend their unbeaten run against their South-South rivals. Last season, the 'Restoration Boys' defeated Rivers United home and away, while this season, they narrowly edged them 1-0 in the first-round clash in Port Harcourt. Rivers United, under the guidance of Finidi George, are eager to break their losing streak against Bayelsa United, who are seeking to maintain their dominance in this intense rivalry. Bayelsa United Head Coach, Meremu Okara, has downplayed the hype surrounding this much-anticipated derby, insisting that it's just another fixture for his team. "We're treating it as a normal game," Okara stated in a recent interview. "We know it's going to be tough, but we're prepared. We've finished our training and are ready for the game on Sunday." In a blow to his team, Okara confirmed that attacking midfielder Wisdom Modisa will miss out due to a knee injury. However, the coach remains optimistic about his team's chances, stating that aside from Modisa's absence, the team is intact and ready for the match. As the teams prepare to face off, Bayelsa United currently sit 17th on the NPFL table with 31 points, while Rivers United lead the standings with 46 points and three games in hand. The stakes are high, and only time will tell if Bayelsa United can extend their winning streak against Rivers United. Will they emerge victorious, or will Rivers United break their losing streak? The answer lies in the outcome of this highly anticipated South-South derby clash.