NPFL: Kwara United hold Rivers United to 0-0 draw

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers, Nigeria – Rivers United dropped points for the first time at home in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday as a dogged Kwara United side held them to a scoreless draw at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt. The Rivers United technical manager, Stanley Eguma made four changes to the side that lost 0-2 in Aba to Enyimba on Sunday with big striker the biggest name to miss out. Ossy Martins, who took his place, failed to hit expected heights against a well-drilled Kwara United defence.

The hosts dominated from the off and should have taken the lead in the ninth minute when marauding left back, Konan Ruffin bombed forward to deliver a brilliant cross to Waheed Adebayo who somehow failed to connect from three yards. Kwara United’s first chance didn’t arrive until the 21st minute when Segun Alebiosu outsmarted Gbadebo Samson in the United defence but his strike at goal lacked conviction and Drissa Bamba, the Rivers United goalkeeper saved easily.

Clear cut goal scoring opportunities were at a premium but the hosts came extremely close to breaking the deadlock in the 76th minute when second half substitute, Bright Onyedikachi walzed his way through the penalty area and delivered a brilliant cross which Wasiu Jimoh just about failed to reach.

Then came the game’s biggest talking point with just five minutes remaining.Nelson Esor went down under a challenge from a Kwara United defender and the hosts were convinced they had won a penalty. The referee however booked the Rivers United attacker for diving and the visitors showed enough resolve to see out the rest of the game and claim their second point on the road this term

Afterwards, head coaches of Kwara United Abukakar Bala and his counterpart at Rivers United, Stanley Eguma spoke to the media (audio files have been attached). Rivers United moved up to second on the NPFL table as they have now amassed nine points from six matches while Kwara United remain in the relegation zone with six points from six matches.