Defending champions, Remo Stars began their Nigeria Premier Football League title defence with a tense 1-1 draw against last season’s runners-up Rivers United in a feisty opening-day clash at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta.

Playing away from their Ikenne base, which is under renovation, Remo were stunned early when Aniekeme Okon headed Rivers into the lead inside three minutes from a Timothy Zechariah cross.

The champions hit back swiftly as returning striker Victor Mbaoma capped his NPFL comeback with a composed finish in the ninth minute after a good work from Samuel Anakwe. But Mbaoma’s night ended abruptly after he collapsed under a challenge in the 18th minute and was stretchered off, raising concerns of a long-term injury. He was replaced by Malian forward Adama Goita, making his competitive debut.

Remo came close to going ahead before the break, with Michael Ibe’s free-kick brilliantly saved by Rivers goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya, while Anakwe twice tested the shot-stopper. Rivers nearly reclaimed the lead through Okon, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

The second half was equally intense. Remo captain Junior Nduka almost turned into his own net with a misjudged clearance that struck the crossbar before Anakwe and Goita squandered promising chances at the other end.

The contest boiled over in stoppage time when Rivers skipper Temple Emekayi was shown a straight red card for a reckless high tackle on Olamilekan Adedayo, sparking a heated confrontation that saw several Remo players booked.

In the end, both sides settled for a point each, a result reminiscent of last season’s tight title race, where Remo edged Rivers to the crown. With Champions League duties on the horizon, both clubs will see this fiery stalemate as an early marker in what promises to be another fiercely contested NPFL campaign.