Rivers United fired blanks in a drab Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) contest against Sunshine Stars that ended 0-0 at the Yakubu Gowon (former Port Harcourt Liberation) Stadium on Wednesday.<br /><br />The big news before kickoff, was the omission from the match day squad of Obomate Frederick from the Rivers United with Bernard Ovoke starting in his place.<br /><br />In the absence of the midfielder, the hosts struggled to control the game and boss possession with deadly efficiency as has been the case in recent matches.<br /><br />Striker Guy Kuemian missed a sitter from two yards in the first half when it appeared easier to score and Chigozie Ihunda also came close with a half volley as well as United looked to put the game to bed early on.<br /><br />It was however the visitors that created the best chances in the game. The Sunshine Stars coach, Solomon Ogbeide was pleased with the point in the end.<br /><br />&ldquo;We had our plan and it worked for us. We wanted to play on the (break).<br /><br />&ldquo;On two occasions, we had one-on-one opportunities with just the (Rivers United goal keeper) to beat but we did not take them,&rdquo; he told Rivers United Media.<br /><br />Eguma on his part said his charges have yet to fuse into a unit.<br /><br />&ldquo;We have not really started playing as a cohesive unit but we are one of the best-playing teams in the league at this moment.<br /><br />&ldquo;I believe we will get it right in the shortest possible time,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Rivers United are now in 11th place on the NPFL standings with 10 points from eight matches while Sunshine Stars remain one place from bottom in the 20-team log with three points from six matches.<br /><br /><b>Igho Kingsley</b><br />