Sunshine Stars Hold Rivers United

Rivers United fired blanks in a drab Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) contest against Sunshine Stars that ended 0-0 at the Yakubu Gowon (former Port Harcourt Liberation) Stadium on Wednesday.

The big news before kickoff, was the omission from the match day squad of Obomate Frederick from the Rivers United with Bernard Ovoke starting in his place.

In the absence of the midfielder, the hosts struggled to control the game and boss possession with deadly efficiency as has been the case in recent matches.

Striker Guy Kuemian missed a sitter from two yards in the first half when it appeared easier to score and Chigozie Ihunda also came close with a half volley as well as United looked to put the game to bed early on.

It was however the visitors that created the best chances in the game. The Sunshine Stars coach, Solomon Ogbeide was pleased with the point in the end.

“We had our plan and it worked for us. We wanted to play on the (break).

“On two occasions, we had one-on-one opportunities with just the (Rivers United goal keeper) to beat but we did not take them,” he told Rivers United Media.

Eguma on his part said his charges have yet to fuse into a unit.

“We have not really started playing as a cohesive unit but we are one of the best-playing teams in the league at this moment.

“I believe we will get it right in the shortest possible time,” he said.

Rivers United are now in 11th place on the NPFL standings with 10 points from eight matches while Sunshine Stars remain one place from bottom in the 20-team log with three points from six matches.

Igho Kingsley