RIVERS United had to settle for a point after a keenly contested Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 13 group B clash against Niger Tornadoes at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
In truth, the first half was a tentative affair and the Pride of Rivers looked solid and disciplined at the back marshalled by Kazie Enyinnaya, Ebube Duru, Temple Emekayi and rock-solid Anthony Ohaegbu, reducing the hosts to hopeful crosses from both flanks.
Meanwhile, United were made to work hard at breaking down the home side – although Albert Korvah did have a good opportunity just before half time, running on to a nice Nyima Nwagua’s pass but was tripped in the box for a penalty but the Referee thought otherwise.
Ebube Duru flashed a cross-cum-shot across the face of the goal within minutes of the restart with Ekeocha Chukwudi the target, while Nyima Nwagua did set up Albert Korvah who missed the target narrowly.
The second half certainly had much more of a spark than the first, with Farouk Mohammed the spin for United but it was Niger Tornadoes who had two chances in quick succession with Sochima Victor making superb saves to keep scores at even.
Bolaji Sakin, Lukman Adefemi and Joseph Onoja were introduced as the Stanley Eguma tutored side looked to find a way to win the game late on, but chances remained few and far between.
In the end, a point would have to do for both teams, while Sochima Victor was named Man of the Match.
Rivers United with two outstanding matches remains in second place with 20 points, three points behind leaders Lobi Stars.
The Pride of Rivers will confront Lobi Stars in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 11 ties on Wednesday 12 April.
After that is a home fixture at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium against Dakkada International FC.
NPFL23 Match Day 13 Results At A Glance
Wikki Tourist 1 Vs 2 Bayelsa Utd
Akwa Utd 2 Vs 2 Nasarawa Utd
Gombe Utd 1 Vs 0 El-Kanemi
Lobi Stars 2 Vs 0 Abia Warriors
Shooting Stars 1 Vs 1 Remo Stars
Sunshine Stars 1 Vs 1 Rangers
Niger Tornadoes 0 Vs 0 Rivers Utd
Enyimba 2 Vs 1 Plateau Utd
Dakkada 1 Vs 0 Doma Utd
Bendel Insurance 1 Vs 1 Kwara Utd
Eighteen-Eleven Media