By Eche Amos
The Solid Miners were at a disadvantaged position when they narrowly lost by a lone goal away to Yobe Desert Stars during the midweek, paving the way for Conference C contenders, Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi, to maintain the second position on the log.
Technical Adviser, Usman Adams, maintained the same line-up he unleashed against Yobe Desert Stars save for the introduction of Sabo Gambo in the starting eleven in place of Habibu Alakija who dropped to the bench after a not-too-impressive outing three days ago in Gashua.
Nevertheless, the fringe Nasarawa United did not look out of place, spearheaded by match-day captain, Hassan Moyi who drilled home a delightful left footed volley after just seven minutes into the game via the telegraphic assist by Chinonso Okonkwo to give the home side an early lead at the Lafia City Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
An own-goal by captain Zayyad Musa following relentless pressing from Ibrahim Umar Ada before the half-time whistle proved to be a hammer blow for the Maiduguri-based former Nigeria Premier Football League side in the game watched by former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Prof. Onje Gye-Wado; Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, and his Borno State counterpart, Sayana Buba; Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi; Executive Vice Chairman, Lobi Stars FC, Dominic Iorfa; Interim Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Technical Adviser, Enyimba FC, Finidi George; FA Chairmen of Nasarawa and Benue States, Salisu Galadima ‘Basira’ and Barr. Paul Edeh as Nasarawa United’s Chairman, Dr. Othman Ahmed Ibrahim led his Board Members on the reception gesture.
The resumption saw the visitors reducing the deficit through Alamin Umar’s free header in the 68th minute.
After that, the Solid Miners showed their professionalism, holding off any further threats from the away side until the full-time whistle to seal a decisive victory and all three important points with rock solid defender, Saviour Chukwu of Nasarawa United winning the Man-of-the-Match recognition.
United, with 26 points from 13 games, are now two points behind table-topping El-Kanemi who have played a game more, while Wikki Tourists dropped down to 3rd position with 23 points but have a game at hand against Yobe Desert Stars tomorrow’s (Sunday’s) afternoon at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
The Solid Miners will make a short trip to Jos to face zonal rivals, Mighty Jets International FC on Saturday, 13th April, 2024, at the New Jos Stadium by 3pm.
POST-MATCH REACTION.
COACH USMAN ADAMS(NAS): “My boys did very well. They scored two quick goals and led within the first eleven minutes into the game.
“We gave our best and carried the day by 2-1 which is most important.
“As it stands now, we are having twenty-six points, second on the log, and waiting for the outcome between Wikki Tourists versus Yobe Desert Stars tomorrow(Sunday). We are still pushing because there are three more matches to go, and I am sure we will do everything not to take our feet off the pedals.
“On Saviour Chukwu winning the Man-of-the-Match award, I am not surprised because he is a young and vibrant up-and-coming defender who can both play as a central and right back.
“He is very strong, disciplined and highly intelligent. He does deserved the Man-of-the-Match recognition and I think more will be coming his ways in subsequent games.”
Photo: Nasarawa United player in green, battling for the ball against El-Kanemi players during their encounter on Saturday
