Super 4: Pillars, Dream Team Share the Spoils

Nigeria U23 men’s team came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with reigning Glo Premier League champions Kano Pillars on Match Day 3 of the 2015 Glo Premier League Super 4 tournament.

Off-season recruit Christian Obiozor broke the deadlock for the Pyramid city side just over 30 minutes but Yahaya Adamu restored parity from the penalty spot on 67 minutes after the forward was impeded in the goal area by midfielder Eneji Otekpa.

Pillars have notched up four points from three matches, three adrift of second-placed Dream Team VI, who have now dropped points for the first time in the pre-season tournament.

Pillars made six changes to their starting XI with former Akwa United star Godspower Aniefiok included from the start for the first time in place of the rested Rabiu Ali.

Jonah Usman returned in goal for (stand-in) coach Fatai Amao’s side among five changes from the side that edged Dolphins 1-0 on Monday as Chijioke Omeka started for the first time in the new season’s curtain-raiser.

Obiozor pulled Pillars, who had had a penalty shout turned down by the ref early on, ahead from a rebound as Usman could only spill Adamu Hassan’s shot in his path.

An unmarked Hassan then headed wide from a corner kick in the 65th minute while Pillars sought to double their lead.

The Olympic Team leveled scores three minutes later to turn the game on its head.

Pillars almost restored their lead on 85 minutes but goalkeeper Usman saved Promise James’ shot and also kept out another by substitute Ekpai Moses Ebong five minutes later.

Dream Team could have nicked it in injury time but Pillars goalkeeper Lawrence John backtracked to tip a looping shot over after being caught out of position.