Defending champions Remo Stars kicked off their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title defence with a 1-1 draw against Rivers United in Abeokuta on Friday.
The NPFL season opener at the MKO Abiola Stadium had all the drama expected of two heavyweight sides, as both goals arrived in the opening ten minutes of play.
Former Remo forward, Aniemeke Okon, returned to haunt his old club when he rose highest to nod Rivers United in front after just three minutes.
His glancing header left goalkeeper Kayode Bankole helpless and handed the visitors the honour of scoring the first goal of the 2025/26 NPFL season.
Five minutes later, Victor Mbaoma latched onto a precise through ball from Samuel Anakwe and smashed home the equaliser. The goal was Mbaoma’s 52nd career NPFL strike, and his 16th for the Sky Blues since first joining them years ago.
Unfortunately for the home crowd, Mbaoma’s night ended early after he limped off with an injury midway through the first half, replaced by new signing Adama Goita.
The second half was an end-to-end affair, with Anakwe continuing to pull the strings for Remo while Rivers relied on their compact defending and counter-attacks.
The visitors, however, were reduced to ten men deep into stoppage time when Temple Emekayi received a straight red card for dangerous play.
Despite the man advantage, Remo Stars couldn’t find a late winner, and the game finished 1-1, a result that stretched their remarkable 52-match unbeaten home record.
Next up, Remo Stars travel to Kun Khalifat FC in Week 2 of the NPFL, while Rivers United host Kwara United, fresh off their President’s Federation Cup triumph.
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