Kogi United held newly promoted Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Oyah Sports FC to a goaless draw on opening fixture of new season on Sunday.
The newcomers from Suleja, Niger State adopted Area 3 football pitch in Abuja as their home ground.
But its not the way the planned their baptism of fire to the second tier division in Nigeria as Kogi United proved too much for them to handle.
United drew first blood inside seven minutes into the match when Abdulwahab Jubril outpaced his marker before delivering a cross into Oyah’s box but Omajagu Umoru arrived late to pounce.
Umoru also combined well with John John in another attack for the Confluence State Boys but the latter dragged hit shot wide from target.
Oyah could have taken the lead afterwards when Odeyemi Rasaq gained access to United defense but his shot was blocked by captain Stephen Musa.
Ledley Djedje also missed a good scoring opportunity for the hosts when fed with a through pass by his skipper, Ezeora Ogachi.
Both sides were sharing control of the game with nothing to show until last minute of first half when Salisu Ogbe was called to action as he dived full length to parry Djedje’s low drive to corner.
United grew in strength at the restart as they took control of the game.
Oyah Sports’ keeper, Abdulwahab Abdullahi made two quick saves to deny Umoru and John on different occasions.
United brought in Idris Muye for Osas Eghe to add more precision to their side and yielded quick impact as Muye almost gave them the deserved lead with a long range lob which Abdullahi had to traced his steps back quickly to make a one hand save.
There was another effort to be saved by Abdullahi from John John as United kept asking questions.
Etuk Akanimo and Aondoka Zenke replaced John and Umoru to keep pressing for the winning goal as the game was entering its closing stages but the new boys from Suleja proved insoluble at the back even as they also make a late surge to claim the match points.
Kogi United’s next match is against Kada City while Oyah Sports will be making a trip to Birnin Kebbi to take on Kebbi United.
