Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL champions – Rivers United kicked off their 2023/24 campaign with three points as they survived a shaky start to their title defense with a late victory against Lobi Stars in Port Harcourt.
The Wike Boys denied their visitors Lobi Stars a share of the spoils in a late 2-1 win at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening.
Kenechukwu Agu’s stoppage-time penalty snatched three points for Rivers United to get their 2023 NPFL campaign up and running.
The Stanley Eguma side faced an uphill task when Abba Umar inadvertently draw level for the vistora in the 55th minutes after Morice Chukwu gave the Pride of Rivers the lead on 16 minute, with a stunning strike from long range.
Driven on by Nyima Nwagua, Rivers United made the running in the second half, but the closest they went was a shot from Naibe Akpesiri that whistled just over the bar.
That was until the dying seconds, when Ghanaian left back Emmanuel Ampiah was hauled down in the box and Kenechukwu Agu kept his nerve to beat Emmanuel Daniel
It was just enough to end Lobi Star’s resistance – and make it an opening day win in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Rivers United coach – Stanley Eguma said;
“We’ve started building a new team and we are moving forward. Last season we ended up as champions and this season, we want to defend it.”
He further added;
“You know defending the trophy is more difficult than winning it because every eye is on Rivers United. Every team wants to dethrone Rivers United. We have to expect all our games as if it’s a cup final.”
In a move to continue building on their winning momentum, Rivers United will be visiting Sunshine Stars in Akure on Wednesday 18th January 2023 for their next fixture.
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