The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicked off on an intense note as Remo Stars and Rivers United settled for a 1-1 draw in Ikenne on Friday.
Rivers United stunned the home crowd just three minutes into the game when Okon A.
fired the Port Harcourt side ahead with a well-taken finish.
However, their lead was short-lived as Remo Stars forward, Mbaoma V., struck in the 9th minute to restore parity.
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Both sides pushed hard in search of a decisive goal, creating chances at both ends, but neither could find the breakthrough as the match wore on.
The encounter, however, ended on a dramatic note when Rivers United’s Emekayi was shown a straight red card in the 90+4 minute for a reckless challenge, leaving the visitors to finish the game with 10 men.
With the draw, both teams begin the new campaign with a point apiece, setting the tone for what promises to be another competitive NPFL season.