The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season began with plenty of drama as Rivers United played out a 1-1 draw against Remo Stars at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
Rivers United got off to a flying start when Aniekeme Okon opened the scoring in the third minute, heading in a fine cross from Timothy Zachariah after an impressive team build-up orchestrated by Taofeek Otaniyi. But the joy was short-lived, as Remo Stars equalized just six minutes later through Victor Mbaoma, who calmly finished from inside the box.
The second half saw both sides battle for the winner, with Rivers United coming agonizingly close when the crossbar denied them a decisive goal. The tension heightened towards the end when Temple Emekayi was shown a red card for a late challenge on Alex Oyowah, leaving United to finish the game with 10 men.
What It Means
The draw extends Rivers United’s unbeaten record in opening-day fixtures since the club’s formation in 2016. The result also provides a solid foundation for Stanley Eguma’s men as they aim to push for a strong season both domestically and on the continent.
Rivers United will next face Kwara United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday, August 31. Meanwhile, Enyimba begin their campaign with a tricky away clash against NPFL newcomers Barau FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Sunday, August 24, with kickoff set for 4:00 p.m.
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