Opening day of the 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Pre-Season Invitational in Kano recorded drawn matches in the two fixtures that held. The third fixture between hosts, Kano Pillars and the CHAN Eagles was shifted to hold today.
In the opening game, League champions, Plateau United of Jos forced 10 – man Enyimba International FC of Aba to 1-1 draw and it was same scoreline between League runners up, MFM FC and AITEO Cup holders, Akwa United in the game played under flood lights at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Adegboyega Adekunle opened scoring scoring for MFM on 56th minute and six minutes later, Otegbeye Ajibola cancelled the lead from the penalty spot.
The game between Enyimba and Plateau began on a very cautious note but a rush of hot blood from Uche John , the Enyimba defender led to the player being sent off on the 17th minute for a second bookable offence after he collected his first yellow card 10 minutes earlier.
Despite the red card, it was Enyimba that showed more zeal as they dominated ball possession and scored in the 33rd minute courtesy of the effort of Chinedu Udeagha. Enyimba created more goal scoring opportunities seeking to increase the tally, but Stanley Dimgba and Ernest Governor failed to convert. The first half ended 1-0.
Abdulraham Bashir, who replaced Chinonso Okonkwo on the 64th minute would waste another glaring opportunity for a second goal on the 72nd minute after a pull out from Wasiu Alalade found him at the edge of the box, but Odah was again to the rescue for Plateau United.
Plateau United then seized the initiative as Enyimba withdrew to defend their lead. It proved costly as sustained raid by Plateau was rewarded with a penalty late in the game after Freedom Omofoma handled the ball in the six yard box. Newly signed Tosin Omoyele from Osun United converted from the spot for Plateau United on the dot of time.
Although , the striker had to take the kick twice after the referee ruled that players encroached the box before the kick was taken and Omoyele was twice excellent in his spot kick to equalise on 90th minute.