Two more games decided at the NPFL Pre-Season Invitational tournament on Wednesday ended in draws as Kano Pillars and Nigeria’s home based Super Eagles tasted action for the first time.
The Super Eagles, playing for the first time since a scandalous loss to Ghana in the final of WAFU Cup of Nations in October, huffed and puffed against a resolute and much more improved Plateau United side under floodlights at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
The league champions who also drew their first game against Enyimba on Monday had the better openings of the game but goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa denied Joshua Obaje early on before youngster Tosin Omoyele failed to apply a finish to a team move in the second half.
United must now wait for the outcome of the group’s last game on Friday between CHAN Eagles and Enyimba to determine if they will progress to the final. Only a goalless draw in the contest will keep their hopes alive.
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Earlier, having been drawn bye from Monday’s action, hosts Kano Pillars opened the day with a crunchy duel with Confederation Cup aspirants Akwa United, a game which ultimately ended in a goalless draw.
Both goalkeepers Danladi Isa for Pillars and Ismaila Shagari for Akwa United were in inspired form for their clubs as they denied their opponents a number of scoring chances.
The game’s best chance however fell to Akwa substitute Amaechi Orji but his effort came off the foot of the post. Pillars substitute Manu Garba also threatened at the opposite end but met a stumbling block in Shagari.
Just like the scenario in Group A, Akwa United will have to wait for the result of the group’s final match on Friday between Kano Pillars and MFM to determine if they will go through to Sunday’s final. A goalless draw in that one will be United’s prayers.
