By Amaechi Agbo
Westgate FC’s journey in the 2026 NFF President Federation Cup came to an end on Tuesday afternoon following a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria Premier Football League side, Nasarawa United FC, in the Round of 64 fixture played at the Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) Stadium, Ayingba, Kogi State.
Despite the result, the Gatekeepers produced a spirited display against the more experienced Solid Miners, matching their opponents for large periods of the encounter before set-piece situations ultimately proved decisive.
The opening exchanges saw both teams settle into an intense contest, with Westgate showing confidence in possession and attacking intent. Friday Omoregie delivered an inviting cross early in the game, while Opaleye Elijah later forced a save from the Nasarawa United goalkeeper with an acrobatic effort midway through the first half.
As the game progressed, both sides continued searching for openings in what remained a balanced affair. However, Nasarawa United eventually broke the deadlock in the 40th minute under fortunate circumstances, capitalising on a goalmouth scramble from a direct throw-in after a slip by the Westgate goalkeeper allowed the ball to fall kindly for the opener.
Just three minutes later, the Solid Miners doubled their advantage through another set-piece situation, this time a well-delivered free-kick near the edge of the area that was headed into the net to give the NPFL side a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.
Westgate returned for the second half with renewed determination and nearly found a route back into the game when Omoshade Samuel’s audacious lob effort narrowly missed the target shortly after the restart.
Coach Yakubu Ibrahim introduced fresh legs in the 67th minute, bringing on Festus Elegbede and Esosa Ulrich in place of Lucius Joseph and Idemudia Kelvin as the Gatekeepers pushed for a response.
The changes injected fresh energy into the side, and Westgate’s persistence was rewarded in the 83rd minute. Idris Shittu’s rebound effort fell kindly to substitute Festus Elegbede, who showed great composure to dribble past his marker before calmly slotting home to reduce the deficit and spark hopes of a late comeback.
However, Nasarawa United restored their two-goal cushion just two minutes later in dramatic fashion, scoring directly from a corner kick in the 85th minute to seal a 3-1 victory and confirm their place in the next round of the competition.
Although disappointed with the outcome, Westgate FC can take positives from a performance that showed resilience, organisation, and fighting spirit against top-flight opposition. The experience gained from the encounter is expected to further aid the development of the young squad as the club continues its steady growth.
