Joseph Osadiaye delighted to return for Enyimba vs. Rivers United

Enyimba's Joseph Osadiaye is delighted after recovering from an ankle injury that has kept him out of action for over a month.

The former Warri Wolves winger was wounded during preseason and has missed out on the People's Elephant's opening four games.

Also, the injury forced him to turn down a CHAN Eagles' invite for the LMC Super 6 Invitational tournament held in Kano, and that ultimately cost him a chance to represent Nigeria at the ongoing African Nations Championship in Morocco.

Now back in contention to make his bow in the 2017-18 campaign in Sunday's Nigeria Professional Football League clash against Rivers United, the winger is 'very happy' and hopes to make a positive impact at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.

"I'm very happy to be back again... for a player to be injured is not easy but I'm just praying to God that this time, I don't go back [to being injured]," Osadiaye told Goal .

"Injury is a very bad thing especially when you've been playing [well] and you are out of the game. It's very bad. I just give thanks to God for everything he has done.

"I thank God that I'm back and it'll be best to support the team so we can do better.

"Actually, I can't say [if I will make the starting lineup].

"But definitely I believe the coach will pick the best legs that will make the difference and I believe that if called upon, I will also impact the game.

"Coming to Port Harcourt, we are here to take points, we are here to improve our standing on the table."

Paul Aigbogun's side have endured a mixed start to the season, picking their first three points of the season against Nasarawa United on Thursday.

"Football is like that," Osadiaye continued.

"Sometimes you start good, sometimes you don't. But what I'm saying is as we've gotten our first home win, the spirit is already high. And also the management of Enyimba have been encouraging."

The former league champions have garnered only five points from a possible 12, having won just one and drawn two of their opening five games.

Their treatment table does not look good either with key players Stephen Chukwude and Wasiu Alalade joining Ikechuwkwu Ibenegbu, Mfon Udoh and Mohammed Mohammed on the sidelines. But the return of Osadiaye will come as a relief to Aigbogun.