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The champions were served a real test in the opener against Lobi Stars as they look to defend their historic title.
Rivers United manager Stanley Eguma has moved on from their season opener at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
A late penalty from Kenechukwu Agu saw the Pride of Rivers beat 10-man Lobi Stars 2-1 to kick off their title defense with a hard-fought victory.
The league winner spoke to the media after the game and noted that the champions have moved forward.
"We've started building a new team and we are moving forward," Eguma said.
"Last season we ended up as champions and this season, we want to defend it."
It will be difficult to defend the league
While Rivers United want to defend their title, their manager believes it will be more difficult to achieve that than when they won it last season.
According to Eguma, the Port Harcourt team will take every game as serious as a cup final as they are the target of every team in the league now.
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"You know defending the trophy is more difficult than winning it because everybody's eyes are on (Rivers) United now. Every team's target is United - to dethrone United and that's why we have to expect all our games as if they are cup finals," he added.
The game in brief
Marice Chukwu's excellent effort from just outside the box gave the home side a deserved lead.
However, the visitors found a way back into the game when Abbar Umar punished the United defense's momentary lapse in concentration to level the score in the 55th minute.
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Ten minutes after their equaliser, Lobi were reduced to ten men as Sunday Chukwu was sent off after he picked up his second yellow card of the game.
Despite playing with a man down, Lobi Stars were no pushovers as they limited the home side to half chances.
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However, just when they thought they had done enough for a share of the spoils, the referee awarded the come side a late penalty.
Agu stepped up to convert expertly to seal the win and three points for the champions.
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