By Amaechi Agbo, Abuja
The Solid Miners bowed to a disappointing 0-1 defeat against North Central Zonal rivals, Kwara United, in Sunday’s highly anticipated derby match at the Lafia City Stadium.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, the hosts could not find the back of the net, while the visitors capitalized on a solitary chance to seal the victory.
The game started with both sides displaying high intensity, but it was Kwara United who drew the first blood courtesy of Nasarawa United’s former striker, Emmanuel Ogbole, as the first-half ended with the Solid Miners trailing 0-1 before their home fans.
Upon resumption, Nasarawa United pushed hard for an equalizer, with Anas Yusuf, Chinonso Okonkwo, Kabir Balogun, Shina Kumater, and Shammasu Mohammed all coming close, but the Afonja Warriors’ goalkeeper, Nurudeen Badmos, produced several saves to deny the hosts.
Despite being a man down following a second bookable offence by defender, Victor Adeoye, in the 69th minute, the Ilorin-based Kwara United held on to the slim lead to amass the maximum points at the detriment of the hosts who have now lost two home games since the beginning of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign.
The frustrating Sunday’s result sees United further dropping to the 18th spot on the League Table with 12 points from eleven games as Kwara United leapfrogged to 11th position with fourteen points.
The Coach Kabir Dogo-led wards will next travel to Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State on Sunday, 17th November, 2024, seeking redemption on match-day twelve, before embarking on a cross-country journey over to Jos, Plateau State, a week later, for another North-Central derby clash with Plateau United.
