In a thrilling encounter at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Rivers United staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Remo Stars during Matchday 2 of the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Super Six.
The match started with Rivers United taking an early lead in the 16th minute, courtesy of a brilliant individual effort from their star player Nyima Nwagua. Nwagua skillfully maneuvered his way past Remo Stars’ defenders before unleashing a powerful strike that left goalkeeper Bamkole Kayode helpless.
Despite dominating the first half, Rivers United failed to convert their chances and had to settle for a narrow 1-0 lead going into halftime. Remo Stars came out rejuvenated in the second half and began to assert control over the game, mounting relentless pressure on Rivers United’s defense.
Their efforts paid off in the 71st minute when Adedayo Olamilekan found the back of the net, beating Rivers United goalkeeper Sochima Victor to level the score at 1-1. The game took an unexpected turn in stoppage time when Olamilekan struck again, this time with a sensational long-range thunderbolt, giving Remo Stars a 2-1 lead with mere seconds remaining.
READ MORE: NPFL Super 6: Enyimba secures first victory over Lobi Stars
However, Rivers United had other plans, and in a dramatic twist, substitute Lukman Adefemi scored with the last kick of the game, rescuing a vital point for his team and leaving the spectators in awe. The draw keeps Rivers United joint-top of the table alongside Enyimba Int’l, with both teams accumulating four points from two matches. Remo Stars, on the other hand, now have two points and face an uphill battle to secure a place in continental football.
In another Matchday 2 fixture, Bendel Insurance and Sunshine Stars played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Divine Nwachukwu opened the scoring for Bendel Insurance in the seventh minute, but Sunshine Stars rallied in the second half. Ekerette Udom found the back of the net in the 63rd minute, earning his team their first point of the tournament.
Despite their impressive 20-game unbeaten run, Bendel Insurance has struggled to secure a win in their opening two matches, leaving them eager to turn their fortunes around in the remaining fixtures. The NPFL Super Six continues to provide enthralling football and intense competition as teams battle for supremacy in one of Nigeria’s most prestigious football tournaments.
NPFL Championship playoff Matchday 2 Result
Enyimba Int’l 1-0 Lobi Stars
Rivers United 2-2 Remo Stars
Sunshine Stars 1-1 Bendel Insurance
The tournament will return on Wednesday, June 7, for Matchday 3
Bendel Insurance vs Enyimba Int’l (2pm)
Remo Stars Vs Sunshine Stars (4:30pm)
Rivers United Vs Lobi Stars (7pm)
