Plenty of perspiration but little inspiration at the U.J Usuene Stadium, as Pelican Stars and Osun Babes played out a goalless draw in a very humid atmosphere.
The Omoluabi Queens battled for a point but arguably deserved all three points against a very buoyant Pelican Stars side.
Both teams created chances as they went all out for the all-important win, which will see both moving up the log.
Pelican had opportunities of their own, with Ikono Favour missing a sitter in the first half and Linda Jiwuaku making a vital save late on to frustrate sub Chisom Henry.
Moses Pato also had a shot from the edge of the Omoluabi area which goalkeeper Linda Jiwuaku could only parry. The ball fell straight to Edoho Blessing who, six yards in front of a gaping goal, somehow placed the ball over.
Kesiena Ojyovw does well to beat Alex Faith in a foot race as she hared down the right flank to try to get in behind the Pelican's defence, which led to a throw in.
Both sides probably claim to have had the better chances in the opening 20 minute because while Pelican Stars began the match well, Osun Babes grew in confidence as the afternoon progressed and looked the likelier to score as the game wore on.
Ikoyo Rejoice placed an effort wide of the near post after good build-up play by Anjor Mary and she was later denied by Opeyemi Adegboyega who hacked her down before she could extend more danger upfront.
Pelican Stars top scorer had the chance to strike a decisive blow with just 5 minutes left in the first half on what was an evenly matched and tight affair, but she could only shoot tamely at the Osun Babes goalkeeper.
The first half ended goalless with both sides regretting not taking their chances of scoring.
The second half started in a lively manner and it didn’t take long for the first goalmouth action. Chisom Henry saw her well curved free kick saved by Jiwuaku in the Osun Babes goal.
The visitors were keen to show their attacking intent right from the off, with Anjor Mary going close once again from a glancing ball from Iloduba, and got her self beating the offside trap, but only for the referee to call for an offside.
A gilt-edged chance then came Pelican's way in what was a breathless point in the game ,but Edoho Blessing, Ikono Favour and Eserenwa Honesty wastefully threw away a golden chance for the home team, as they couldn't convert.
Edet Egan's girls maintained their spell of pressure and created another opportunity early on, this time new entrant Tawakalitu Mustapha cleared into the arms of Jiwuaku from Hodo's deep cross.
With just 5 minutes left in the game, Edoho Blessing again received a short ball from Alex Faith but her shot was always rising, while Ikono also shot over from Longjohn's lay-off.
The final action of the game came Osun Babes way and it was Chinyere Kalu who nearly broke Pelican's hearts with a curling effort that just evaded the top corner.
The game ended 0:0, with the home side looking so disappointed over their second home draw of the season.
Speaking after the game, the Omoluabi Queens head coach Liadi Bashiru praised his team's defensive qualities and the fact that they have now kept two consecutive clean sheets.
He said: " We wanted to win today, but let's say the fact, it's a good point for us and we are now five games unbeaten. We are going to approach the remainder of the season in a positive way"
Pelican's manager Edat Egan said: " We missed a lot of goalscoring chances and we only have ourselves to blame. Osun Babes were well organised at the backline and they got what they wanted. They worked hard for it"
The draw means the Omoluabi Queens will move down to 3rd on the log, with Delta Queens moving to second place after recording a very comfortable 3-1 win over Edo Queens.
Osun Babes will welcome Confluence Queens next week wednesday at the Osogbo City Stadium in a very crucial encounter
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