NPFL Invitational Day 1 games end in draws
In the opening game, league champions, Plateau United of Jos forced 10-man Enyimba International FC of Aba to a 1-1 draw and it was same scoreline between league runners-up, MFM FC and AITEO Cup holders, Always United in the game played under floodlights at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Adegboyega Adekunle opened scoring for MFM on 56 minutes and six minutes later, Ajibola Otegbeye cancelled the lead from the penalty spot.
The game between Enyimba and Plateau began on a very cautious note but a rush of blood to the head by Enyimba defender Uche John led to the player being sent off in 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 having control of the midfield. The two-time African champions were looking very dangerous to hurt Plateau United and almost got the lead when the centre referee awarded a penalty to the Aba-based side after Salomon Junior ferociously tackled Chinedu Udeagha to impede his movement inside the box.
The resultant penalty kick was clumsily taken by Chinonso Okonkwo and Okiemute Odah in goal for Plateau United dived to the left to parry the ball to corner kick.
Plateau United responded after surviving the penalty and piled pressure on Enyimba defence but it was the Peoples Elephant that drew the first blood off a counter-attack that turned defence to offensive raid. Newly signed Olayinka Onaolapo was found on the right flank and he connected Udeagha who made no mistake in the 33rd minute, though his first attempt was saved by Okiemute before he hit the net from the rebound.
Enyimba created more goalscoring opportunities seeking to increase the tally, but Stanley Dimgba and Ernest Governor failed to convert. The first half ended 1-0.
Abdulrahman Bashir, who replaced Okonkwo in the 64th minute would waste another glaring opportunity for a second goal in the 72nd minute after a pullout 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 Omofoman handled the ball in the six-yard box.
Newly-signed Tosin Omoyele from Osun United converted from the spot for Plateau United. Although the striker had to take the kick twice after the referee ruled that players encroached the box before the initial kick was taken and Omoyele was twice excellent in his spot kick to equalise on 90 minutes.
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