Morice Chukwu slotted home a well-taken equaliser from the spot as Rivers United claimed a point against stubborn Abia Warriors on Sunday evening in a Nigeria Premier Football League group B tie at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium.
After falling behind to a goal from Nweke Kalu, the Stanley Eguma tutored side battled their way back into the game and had their reward late on when Morice Chukwu slotted in from the penalty spot.
Maintaining the winning formula, Coach Stanley Eguma named an unchanged side to the team that defeated Rangers Int 1-0 three days ago at the same venue.
But with fatigue obviously setting in, United got off to a tentative start in the second half and were made to pay when Nweke Kalu raced through and gave the visitors the lead.
The Pride of Rivers began to show signs of life around the hour mark when Albert Korvah saw an effort blocked, before Morice Chukwu flashed a shot over the bar.
Kazie Enyinnaya then saw a drilled cross take a deflection, before Substitute Ekeocha Chukwudi had a first-time drive saved by the Abia Warriors goalkeeper.
The visitor had their moments in the game and Rivers United were indebted to Man of the match, safe hands Abiodun Akande who made three point blank saves to prevent Abia Warriors from increasing their tally.
Rivers United persistent at goal made off when a defender of Abia Warriors handled the ball in the box after a flick from Nyima Nwagua with Morice Chukwu slotting in the resultant spot kick to even score.
There was no dramatic winner at the end of the game as both teams were made to share the points.
Rivers United move top of the NPFL group B standings with 19 points and a goal difference of +5 same as second placed Lobi Stars but are top having scored more goals.
Rivers United will now turn attention to the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation’s Cup and will make a trip to Ivory Coast to take on ASEC Mimosa in their last group B tie on Sunday 2nd April 2023.
