The best of Nigerian football was on showcase on Sunday as Chijioke Akuneto scored just before halftime to salvage a 1-1 draw against Remo Stars in Nigeria Professional Football League matchday 9 fixture.
Gbenga Ogunbote’s side displayed plenty of promising play at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne – and Chijioke Akuneto late first-half goal was no less than Coach Stanley Eguma tutored Rivers United deserved for their character, fight and spirit throughout.
Rivers United with Morice Chukwu operating at the base of midfield took control of the game early on and pressed high up the field in numbers which almost most paid up as early as the 7th minute when an unmarked Chijioke Akuneto’s header from 8 yards out failed to beat Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole who expertly parried the ball for a corner kick.
The first goal of the evening would fall for the hosts in the 10th minute as forward Andy Okpe found himself at the end of a cross from Ifegwu Ojukwu to give Remo Stars an early lead
Ishaq Kayode had a chance to draw level for Rivers United, but saw his goal-bound effort hit the side net.
Shortly after Remo Stars Samuel Anakwe came close to increasing the tally for the host when he did beat his marker to a cross by Lekan Adedayo but his effort from close range went horribly off target.
Rivers United drew level in the 43rd minutes when Nyima Nwagua assist resulted in Chijioke Akuneto’s equalizer and 4th goal of the season.
It was an action parked second half as both teams had the opportunity of picking the maximum points with the chances that came their way, it ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Rivers United stay top of the NPFL log with 19 points and plus 11 goals difference.
Next up, Rivers United will host Dakada FC on Wednesday 2nd February 2022.
The game will take place at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium Omagwa, Rivers State.with kick-off at 4pm
