Sunshine Stars Football Club and Enyimba International will both rue missed opportunities following a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 13 encounter at the Aba Township Stadium.
A more determined Sunshine Stars controlled the game from the opening whistle against their sluggish hosts, who were playing their third competitive match within a week.
The centre referee did not deem it necessary to award a penalty to Sunshine Stars in the 10th minute after Chinedu Nwosu appeared to be fouled in the box.
The Owena Whales had further chances to take the lead in the first half but were unable to convert their opportunities.
At the defensive end, Sunshine Stars’ goalkeeper Emmanuel Ofori made crucial saves to deny Austin Onyemaechi and Ifeanyi Ihemekwele from scoring for the People’s Elephants.
The hard-fought goalless draw leaves Sunshine Stars in 17th place with 18 points. Their next fixture will be against Niger Tornadoes in Minna.
“I thank God for the result, but our plan was to come here and take maximum points against Enyimba International,” said Sunshine Stars coach Bobola Akinfolarin.
Akinfolarin noted that his team would continue to focus on improving their finishing, which he identified as their main weakness.
“We could have been 3-0 up in the first half, but we were wasteful in front of goal.”