In their quest to seal off the league title, Rivers United on Saturday afternoon dropped two points after a goalless draw against Rangers international during their Nigeria Professional Football League matchday 34 in Awka.

The Pride of Rivers coach – Stanley Eguma decided to feature nine of his players from last weekend’s victory over Abia Warriors.

With Fabian Nworie returning from suspension and George Akpabio starts, while Solomon Oluruket takes Ndasi Kadiang Denis’ spot on the bench.

While Rangers head coach – Abdu Maikaba made one alteration to the lineup that lost 1-0 to Nasarawa United in Jos.

David Chimezie, who had been suspended, was replaced by Uche John, who made a return from suspension.

The League leaders got off to a great start, and Akuneto came near to putting them ahead early on, but his effort bounced back against the post.

Five minutes into the game, Chijioke Akuneto, the league top score came close to scoring when an inviting cross from Kazie Enyinnaya found the attacker, whose attempt strikes the post from a decent position.

Christian Nnaji then set up his striking partner, Israel Abia, 21 minutes into the game, but his smashing shot narrowly missed the target.

Four minutes before the break, the home side thought they’ve found the opener, but Nnaji squandered the golden opportunity.

Israel Abia sets up Christian Nnaji, who, although having a simple tap-in opportunity, could not beat Darlington Ovunda at the near post.

The home team came out sharper in the second half of the game, taking the lead just nine minutes in.

Bala Akintunde’s shot goes in, but the referee calls it off for offside, much to the chagrin of the home supporters.

The introduction of Agu and Effiong by the Rangers coach fired the team into life in the game, with the Flying Antelopes becoming more mobile in their offensive surges as they pursue their search for the opening goal.

With time running out in Awka, Rangers’ Eso Archibong pulls a long-range effort in the 82nd minute when he had other, easier and better options, but he flops his attempt.

Darlington Ovunda, the Rivers United goalkeeper, parries a goal-bound shot by Chidiebere Nwobodo to safety at the last moment, surprising the home crowd who felt they had grabbed a late-minute winner.

After four minutes of added time, the Port Harcourt outfit managed to pull off a tough defensive performance to see the game out, with the score staying 0-0 at the final whistle.

Rangers gave the Pride of Rivers a tough test and Kazie Enyinnaya, Ebube Duru, and Morice Chukwu performed admirably well.

𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕? 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒙!