Sunshine Stars came from behind to hold Lobi Stars 1-1 at the Akure Sports Complex on Sunday and coach Henry Abiodun has lauded his team for the fight back against the visitors.
Having lost 2-1 at Akwa United, the Owena Whales were hoping to avoid a home slip against Solomon Ogbeide's side but Samad Kadiri's second-half header almost condemned them to defeat.
However, Jide Fatokun's injury-time header in the second half rescued the Akure-based side from suffering their seventh defeat of the season at the hands of the Pride of Benue.
And the gaffer, who was pleased by the quality of officiating, demanded such top performance from match officials in their subsequent away matches this season.
"The referees threw the game open and if this is done in other centres, the league will make a lot of progress," Abiodun told media.
Next matches
This is how it should be, but unfortunately, I have played three away games and none of the officiating is like this.
"Lobi Stars are league toppers, so you expect them to come here and do well, but then, we dominated the game for 90 minutes.
"We wanted a win but kudos to the boys for coming back from a late goal.
"My boys played well and we will build on that. All I am asking for now is a repeat of this officiating in Markurdi."
The draw saw Sunshine Stars stay a spot off the relegation zone in 16 with 21 points from 19 outings this season.
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