The 2015 Nigeria Premier League season kicked off on Saturday afternoon with 10-man Kwara United coming away from Port Harcourt’s Liberation Stadium with a share of the spoils following a goalless draw with Dolphins.

Ahead of kick off, captains of both sides offered prayers for the league defending champions Kano Pillars whose team bus was attacked and shot at by armed robbers on their way to Owerri to face Heartland; a match which has since been postponed as a result.

The newly promoted visitors edged proceedings in the early kick-off and came close to taking a third minute lead when attacker Adeshina Gata forced Dolphins goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi to palm a low effort.

Rotimi easily saved from an Evans Iyoro free kick in the 15th minute before the Dolphins keeper denied Ahmed Jimoh 10 minutes before half-time after Jimoh was put through on goal by Gata.

Chigozie Ihunda headed straight at Kwara United keeper Suraju Ayeleso on the hour mark while Kwara United substitute Akeem Audu wasted two chances in quick succession as time ran out.

And with two minutes left to play, Ayeleso received his marching orders following a foul on Ihunda but the Afonja Warriors held on to claim a well deserved point in their first match back in the top flight.

The result marks the first time Kwara United have come away from Port Harcourt with a point against Dolphins, having lost every previous encounter against the 2014 Federation Cup finalist.

Elsewhere in the Premier League on Saturday, Port Harcourt’s Liberation Stadium will be the venue again when Sharks host Sunshine Stars of Akure while on Sunday, Federation Cup holders Enyimba will host Akwa United in Aba.