*NPFL MD28: NASARAWA UNITED PIPPED BY KATSINA UNITED FC*
A 25th minute solo goal from Adebayo Waheed was all Katsina United needed to scoop the maximum points off visiting Nasarawa United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, on Sunday.
The Solid Miners went into the game with five points clear off the Chanji Boys and were hoping to record their first away win of the Season but fell short of luck as they got denied on several occasions.
Sunday Okereke outran his marker and was positioned to strike from close range only for his shin to change the direction of the ball as Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali rushed out to deal with the danger.
Eight minutes into the game, Ameh Godwin was forced into a fantastic save, parrying a clever ball from Tosin Omoyele into throw in.
Few minutes later, Stanley Nwabali was caught napping around his territory but quickly regained consciousness before Ifeanyi Benjamin could take advantage of the blush.
The home side, however, scored from nothing, after some goalline scrambles as Adebayo Waheed capitalised on some defensive frailties to chip the ball beyond the reach of Ameh Godwin in goal for Nasarawa United.
From then on, United restrategised and tried to draw level but ended the First-Half trailing 1-0.
The reversed half would see the travellers dominating possession after Coach Bala Nikyu effected some tactical changes.
Dauda Maigishiri benefited from a rebound courtesy of constantly- improving Chidera Nduka but struck his effort a fraction off target.
With a quarter of an hour yet to be played, unmarked substitute, Adamu Hassan, would miss a sitter from six yards after Sunday Okereke unselfishly connected with him after winning a great tackle, as Stanley Nwabali’s outstretched hand kept the scoreline in favour of the home side.
The former Katsina United’s attacker again failed to convert a glorious chance from close range when he was perfectly linked up by Afeez Bankole in a build up that started with Chidera Nduka, as he over-struck the ball over the bar to the surprise of everyone at the Stadium.
Despite enjoying possession, the scoreline remained unchanged as the referee sounded the full-time whistle, with the result drifting the Solid Miners to 13th position with 35 points.
The Lafia-based side will next host Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi on Sunday, 22nd May, 2022.
*POST-MATCH REACTIONS*:
Chief Coach Abubakar Arikya(NAS): “Well, it’s unfortunate that we could not convert the flurry of chances we had in the game today.
“But we have left that ugly result behind us to focus on the games ahead, beginning from our next game against Wikki Tourists at home.”
Coach Usman Abdallah(KAT): “I am glad that the boys are scoring now, however, there are still areas to work on, especially in the defence.
“We had a great first-half, and I must say I like the enthusiasm, fighting spirit and determination among the players.
“There is the zeal and hunger to win games and gradually, we are getting into shape.
“Nasarawa United are a team with a lot of energy as they are located within the middle of the country. It’s always difficult to play them.
“They did well and I must say we were lucky to have beaten them today.”
*CAUTION*:
(Yellow 🟨 Card):
Frank Kappa (KAT)90+2′
*NASARAWA UNITED LINE-UP*: Ameh Godwin, Abubakar Abdullahi(Afeez Bankole 49′), Victor Collins, Manga Mohammed, Ini Edem, Aliyu Abdullahi, Chidera Nduka,
Dauda Maigishiri(Joshua Ogbole 73′), Ikenna Offor(Shehu Lawal 49′), Ifeanyi Benjamin(Adamu Hassan 49′), Sunday Okereke.
*UNUSED SUBS*: Mustapha Danjuma, Bello Abdullahi, Amia Kenneth, Charles Eguavon, Hassan Moyi.
*Eche Amos*,
Media Officer,
Nasarawa United FC.
15/05/2022