Rivers United on Thursday continued their chase for another Nigeria Premier Football League – NPFL, title with a 1-1 draw against Sunshine Stars at the Sports Complex Akure, Ondo State.

In order to maintain a winning mentality, the Rivers United coach – Stanley Eguma chose to stick with the same squad against Sunshine Stars.

With Nyima Nwagua and Malachi Ohawume spearheading the attack, the Rivers United Boss selected the team that produced a late winner to brush Lobi Stars aside on Sunday and earn all three points.

The defending Champions seized the lead just 23 minutes into the contest through an own-goal. Sunshine Stars defender pulled the ball into his own net.

With only five minutes left in the half, Rivers United nearly doubled their advantage. Malachi Ohawume received a great pass from Nyima Nwagua, but his shot lacked the necessary direction and the opportunity was lost.

The Port Harcourt team controlled the first half and should have scored three goals to demonstrate their superiority, but they were able to maintain the tiny lead and start the second half with the same vigor.

The Akure Boys nearly equalized with 72 minutes on the clock, but their 25-yard free kick missed the target. Four minutes later, Rivers United goalie denied Ibrahim Yusuf a goal scoring opportunity from close range.

The home team kept striving to score an equalizer, and it finally paid off in the 82nd minute as they were awarded a penalty and Ejike Uziechi converted it from 12 yards out to tie the game and it ended 1-1 after the final whistle.

⏱️FT
Sunshine Stars 1-1 Rivers Utd
We remain unbeaten as the points are shared in Akure.#NPFL23 || #SUNRIV || #MD2

— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) January 19, 2023

Rivers United starting the season well as they try to replicate last season performance that crowned them champions, but should have easily secured all three points.

In a closely contested game, the final score obviously represents a match in which both teams experienced periods of dominance.

United was forced to settle for a point in Akure as both teams now prepare for Nigeria Premier Football League matchday three.

The Pride of Rivers will play Niger Tornadoes at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Tuesday, January 24, and then Dakkada FC at the Nest of Champions Stadium on Sunday for another crucial League match.

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