By Charles Mayuku
Rivers United were held to a goalless draw away to Ranchers Bees in their first-ever competitive EUROMATCHNPFL meeting, despite creating the better of the chances.
The Matchday 6 tie’s first half produced half-chances for both teams, with the hosts on the front foot for the major part and Rivers United safe hands Clinton Andy making the better saves.
The best chance of the encounter fell to Chijioke Mbaoma after the break, but he was unfortunate not to have found the back of the net after a beautiful link-up play from Ochobi Elias.
There were strong penalty appeals turned down, but while Rivers United could not find the breakthrough, the draw does extend Rivers United’s impressive start to the season.
Rivers United defensive unit stood firm. Goalkeeper Clinton Andy, shielded by Stephen Manyo, Emmanuel Utake, Ebuka Akobundu and Ochobi Elias, limited the hosts to few clear chances to secure another clean sheet.
Salman Abubakar anchored the midfield superbly, while Alex Oyowah and Wasiu Falolu provided drive and creativity. Wingers Abdulrasheed Dabai and Ekene Awazie stretched the home defence with constant threat from wide areas.
Mbaoma led the line with power and went close twice but was denied, as Rivers United were left frustrated not to take all three points.
Substitutes Chinemerem Ugwueze, Timothy Zachariah, Samson Olasupo and Shola Oladunjoye injected fresh energy as the away side pushed for a winner, but the hosts held firm.
Rivers United will be guests to Katsina United in a rescheduled Matchday 2 fixture on Wednesday, 30 September 2026 while Ranchers will make the trip to Ilorin where they face Kwara United this weekend.