The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) roared back to life with a pulsating opening-day encounter between reigning champions Remo Stars and last season’s runners-up, Rivers United, at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta. The clash, a repeat of last season’s title decider, ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that mirrors the tight competition expected between these two giants throughout the campaign. Remo Stars, playing at a temporary home ground due to ongoing renovations at their Ikenne stadium, were forced to dig deep against a resilient Rivers United side, with both teams benefiting from the return of their players who had represented Nigeria at the African Nations Championship.
The match began with a flurry of action. Just three minutes in, Rivers United silenced the home crowd as Aniekeme Okon expertly headed in a pinpoint cross from Timothy Zechariah, giving the visitors an early advantage. However, Remo Stars responded swiftly, showcasing their championship mettle. Six minutes later, returning striker Victor Mbaoma, back in the NPFL after stints abroad, restored parity with a composed finish, capitalizing on some intricate build-up play by Samuel Anakwe. The celebrations were short-lived, however, as Mbaoma suffered a potentially serious injury just 15 minutes later and had to be stretchered off, casting a shadow over the champions’ promising start. His replacement, Malian forward Adama Goita, made his debut under challenging circumstances.
The remainder of the first half was a frenetic end-to-end affair. Remo Stars almost took the lead through Michael Ibe’s powerful free-kick, which was acrobatically parried away by Rivers United goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya. Anakwe, a constant threat throughout the game, also came close on two occasions, but was denied by the alert Onisodumeya. Rivers United thought they had regained the lead just before half-time when Okon found the back of the net again, but the goal was disallowed for offside, ensuring the teams went into the break level.
The second half maintained the high tempo of the first, with both sides creating opportunities but lacking the final touch in front of goal. In the 60th minute, a defensive mix-up almost gifted Rivers United the lead, but Remo Stars captain Junior Nduka managed to clear the ball off his own crossbar after inadvertently deflecting a cross towards his own goal. Anakwe continued to be a menace for the Rivers United defense, firing narrowly wide just moments later as Remo Stars pressed for a winner.
As the game wore on, both coaches made tactical changes in search of a breakthrough. Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede introduced former Rivers United midfielder Alex Oyowah, while Rivers United’s Finidi George also sought fresh impetus from his bench. Despite the changes, clear-cut chances remained scarce. Anakwe missed another headed opportunity in the 77th minute, and Goita’s late effort was comfortably saved by Onisodumeya.
The closing stages of the match were marked by rising tensions. In stoppage time, Rivers United captain Temple Emekayi received a straight red card for a dangerous high challenge on Olamilekan Adedayo, igniting a heated confrontation between players from both sides. Several Remo Stars players were booked in the ensuing melee. The resulting free-kick, taken from distance, sailed harmlessly over the bar, marking the end of a fiercely contested and dramatic opening-day fixture.
The 1-1 draw leaves both Remo Stars and Rivers United with a point each, a fitting start to what promises to be another closely fought battle for the NPFL title. The result echoes their intense rivalry from the previous season, which saw Remo Stars narrowly edge out Rivers United to claim the championship. Both teams will be looking to build on this opening performance as the season progresses, but the early indications suggest that these two familiar foes are likely to be key contenders in the title race once again. With both teams also having continental commitments in the CAF Champions League, managing their squad depth and navigating the demands of multiple competitions will be crucial to their success. The opening match has set the stage for a fascinating NPFL season, with the rivalry between Remo Stars and Rivers United set to be a central narrative.
