Defending champions, Remo Stars of Ikenne, and Rivers United of Port Harcourt played out a 1–1 draw in the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL, match held at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Friday.
For Remo Stars, the MKO Abiola Sports Complex serves as a temporary home while renovation work continues at their Ikenne base.
Despite the familiar challenges of playing away from their true home, the Sky Blue Stars showed strong intent as they began their title defence.
The keenly contested match saw a goalscoring return for Victor Mbaoma, who levelled for Remo Stars after they had gone behind early in the match through Aniekeme Okon.
The Sky Blue Stars pressed forward in search of a winner, with opportunities falling to their forwards, but they failed to convert.
Rivers United, renowned for their defensive discipline, held firm until a late setback saw defender Temple Emekayi sent off for dangerous play, forcing the visitors to finish the match with ten men.
Speaking at the post-match briefing, Remo Stars coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, said overseeing his 100th game for the team came with pressure to secure a win, but he was grateful for the “golden” draw.
“Yes, I was hoping to win this match being my 100th game in charge of this team, but a draw is fair enough.
“We definitely miss our familiar terrain, our supporters and the atmosphere at Ikenne, but that is not an excuse for the draw”, he said.
