Akwa United of Uyo lost 0-1 to visiting El Kanemi Warriors of Maidugri on match day one of 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League.
Substitute Ba' akaka Azi curler into an empty post on the dead inflicted the Promise Keepers a their first domestic home loss since 2016.
Akwa United early forays and Mfon Udoh's brilliant curler in just the second minute may have caused an illusion that it was going to be a traditional celebration at the Nest of Champions.
Captain Godspower Igudia was forced to concede a yellow card in the third minute and a defensive mix up three minutes later sent a clear opposite signal.
Brazilian import Alberico Da Silva came close in the 14th minute with a bicycle kick that went just wide. Akwa continued to ask questions.Mfon's second attempt four minutes later was parried away by goalkeeper Itodo. While Ibe's freekick forced another brilliant save from Itodo to keep the scoreline. Ojo Olorunleke saved a shot from Yetul in the 31st at the other end.
In the second half , Ibe thought he had broken the deadlock in the 46th minute but his goal was ruled out for an offside.
Coach Everton sensing an impending numerical disadvantage, pulled out Igudia for Ubong Friday. Ubong gave the attack a breath but failed to break down an organised and spirited El Kanemi defence who intercepted,blocked and cleared eleven aerial balls in the last fifteen minutes.Ndifereke Effiong blew a glorious chance over the bar and Ubong missed from close range to sum up a frustrating evening.
But it was goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke whose ambitious second attempt to surge forward and salvage his team from a colourless evening was broken down, dispossessed of the ball and placed into the path of Baa'kaka Azi to curve into an empty net for a disastrous evening inside the Godswill Akpabio stadium.
Akwa United will travel to Kano to face Kano Pillars on Sunday 20th January.