Enyimba dominated the play and the chances, but could not find the decisive touch in a goalless draw against Akwa United.
The tie, which was the first of the Ahlan 2017 Preseason Tournament, pitted the sides who will fly Nigeria's flag at the CAF Confederation Cup against each other. As such, it promised to be an exciting game, and largely lived up to that billing.
The seven-time champions however were in the ascendancy for much of it, created a number of opportunities through left-back Ikouwem Udoh, who got forward time and again to devastating effect.
He delivered a peach of a cross for the best chance of the first half, which Wasiu Alalade failed to convert. Unfortunately, the forward had been put off by the jump of strike partner Chinonso Okonkwo.
Yet again, he put in a dangerous delivery in the 23rd minute, this time totally fooling Ojo Olorunleke in the Akwa goal, but Joseph Osadiaye was unable to head in for the lead.
Four minutes later, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu came close from a trademark free kick, drawing a neat save from Olorunleke after Freedom Omofoman had been fouled.
Akwa came into the game a bit more in the second half, with striker Godwin Obaje miscuing wide from their one clear opening after Nelson Ogbonnaya stumbled.
Alalade than had a chance to finish up some neat interplay involving Ikouwem and Togo international Franco Atchou, but he dragged his shot wide of the near post.
The result earns both sides a point, with Wikki Tourists and Yobe Desert Stars the early pacesetters in Group B.
Enyimba will on Sunday by 8am lock tusks with Wikki Tourists at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Enyimba Starting XI: Fatau Dauda, Yinka Onaolapo, Nelson Ogbonnaya, Isiaka Oladuntoye, Ikouwem Udoh, Farouk Mohammed, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu (Austin Oladapo), Joseph Osadiaye (Franco Atchou 42'), Freedom Omofoman (Maxwell Effiom 65'), Wasiu Alalade (82' Stephen Chukwude), Chinonso Okonkwo (Emeka Obioma 85')
Unused subs: Friday Achimugwu, Ernest Governor, Eric Mensah, Nasiru Sani, Benjamin Francis, Godfred Saka, Taofik Omar, Chinedu Udeagha, Ugochukwu Leonard.
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