Football
Dami Ugbane, Special to ESPN 6y

Enyimba held by plucky Kwara United in NPFL clash

Kwara United forced Enyimba to a 1-1 draw in an eventful clash played in Ilorin on Wednesday, with Stephen Alfred cancelling out Ikechukwu Ibenegbu's opener.

Regardless of the improved form of the Harmony Boys, who are on a four-game unbeaten run in which they've taken six points, they remain at the foot of the table, although they'll take encouragement after coming from behind to take a point.

Enyimba were quick to settle, and showed their superiority early on, winning an early penalty through Ernest Governor, which Ibenegbu converted flawlessly.

The People's Elephant stuttered during two first half minutes when both Stephen Chukwude and Ibrahim Mustapha were replaced due to injury.

After that, the home team upped the tempo, and took advantage of Enyimba's upheaval, with Alfred denied by some smart saves from Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

However, Ezenwa was helpless as he watched Alfred, assisted by strike partner Michael Ohanu, net the equaliser with a shot from the edge of the box.

It got even worse for Enyimba as Ezenwa was stretched off injured and replaced by Fatau Dauda as the Super Eagles' keeper's frustrating campaign continues.

He will now be anxiously awaiting the diagnosis of his latest injury setback with the World Cup looming.

Enyimba could have snatched maximum points late on as substitute Chinonso Okonkwo missed several chances to take all three points.

Despite ending the day in seventh, Enyimba still have two games in hand, and will be confident of climbing in the standings when they host FC Ifeanyi Ubah in the Oriental Derby on Sunday.

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