Date: 2018-04-13

Enyimba weathered an injury tsunami in Ilorin to claim a deserved point, drawing 1-1 against Kwara United.

The People's Elephant might, in fact, have claimed all three, in a tempestuous, end-to-end encounter that saw two brilliant late chances spurned.

With Isiaka Oladuntoye serving the first of a three-match ban, there was an all-new defensive pairing for Enyimba, with Uche John and Ernest Governor holding the fort at the back. Ikechukwu Ibenegbu returned to the starting lineup for the first time since Rangers away.

A blistering start saw two-time African champions denied an early penalty for a tug on the goalbound Ibrahim Mustapha, before Governor got a whack in the shins for his trouble inside the area following an Oladapo free kick. This time, the referee pointed to the spot and the returning Ibenegbu sent Kwara goalkeeper Godwin Ayalogu the wrong way to open the scoring.

Then followed the enforced overhauling of the forward line, with both Mustapha and Stephen Chukwude forced off inside three minutes in the blazing heat. Not however before substitute Freedom Omofomean danced into the box, only to be hauled back and see his incredulity greeted by indifference from the referee.

The hosts belatedly came into the game as the half wore on: Stephen Alfred tested Ikechukwu Ezenwa from range and Michael Ohanu stole in at the back post to head over. Their best chance, though, fell to Godwin Emeka, whose effort from inside the box drew a fine fingertip save from the Nigeria international.