The defending champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Rivers United, started the season on winning note after sealing a 2-1 victory against 10-man Lobi Stars, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Rivers United came out firing and opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Morice Chukwu. Umar Abba then equalised for Lobi Stars in the 56th minute to make the scores 1-1.
Lobi Stars were then dealt a blow as Sunday Chinedu was sent off nine minutes after the equaliser. Despite being a man down, Lobi defended brilliant as they fought to stay in the game. However, Kenechukwu Agu shattered any glimmer of hope Lobi Stars had as he converted a penalty late in injury time to seal a 2-1 victory for Rivers United.
The penalty was enough seal all three (3) points for Rivers United to secure an opening day victory in the defence of their NPFL title.
Niger Tornadoes, Rivers United and Abia Warriors now lead in NPFL Group B with three (3) points. Rivers United will next play away at Sunshine Stars in Akure on Thursday.
“We’ve started building a new team and we are moving forward. Last season we ended up as champions and this season, we want to defend it,” Rivers United technical manager, Stanley Eguma, said.
Sunday’s NPFL results
Group A
Kwara United 0-0 Gombe United
Plateau United 3-3 Shooting Stars
Remo Stars 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Group B
Bayelsa United 1-1 Dakkada FC
Doma United 1-1 Sunshine Stars
Enugu Rangers 0-2 Abia Warriors
Rivers United 2-1 Lobi Stars
Wikki Tourists FC 0-2 Niger Tornadoes.
