Remo Stars and Rivers United started the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season with nothing to choose between the two sides after 90 minutes on Friday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The match between the Sky Blue Stars and the pride of Rivers ended 1-1 at the adopted home ground of Remo Stars for the main time, Moshood Abiola Stadium.
The visitors and the runners up of the league last season drew the first blood through Aniekeme Okon's goal on 3 minutes, becoming the first to score the first goal of season.
Victor Mbaoma levelled it for the champions on 9 minutes with his debut strike on his return to Ikenne.
Michael Ibe got a chance to put Remo in front from the free kick, but his attempt hit the woodwork after 20 minutes played.
Unfortunately, Mbaoma sustained an injury that saw him off a minute later and was replaced by Adama Goita.
Samuel Anakwe with an attempt to give the Sky Blue side the lead but the goalkeeper denied his header at the struck of halftime to keep the score 1-all.
Remo Stars looked the side more likely to score as they continued to push for a goal in the second half, but Rivers held on for a draw even with a man down at added time following Rivers defender Temple Emekayi sending off in the final moments for dangerous play.
Uche Dozie