By Abel Leonard / Lafia
Nasarawa United went into the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League match day twenty tie in search of a revenge against fellow North-Central counterpart, Kwara United, at the Lafia City Stadium, Sunday afternoon.
The hosts had never beaten the visitors in their previous two meetings, but were determined to blow the title race wide open against the league leaders.
In a tight encounter that saw defender, Olajide Williams, sent off after receiving second yellow cards, the Solid Miners had the momentum shortly after the break and made the first mark on the game with a spectacular acrobatic goal by Ana’s Yusuf off a cheeky cross from debutant, Chigozie Obasi in the 47th minute.
The visitors looked to head back almost immediately, but the Governor A.A. Sule Boys were proving hard to breakdown as they continued to frustrate every of their threatening move.
Nasarawa United were 2-nil up in the 69th minute, through the boots of Silas Nwankwo from another beautiful assist from right full-back, Chigozie Obasi, taking his goal tally to seven in the season.
The Harmony Boys again came close to their opener but they could not locate the back of the net as goalkeeper, Mohammed Galadima, was on the alert to stop the visitors.
The visitors however, reduced the deficit, shoot from close range by Wasiu Alalade in the second minute of added time to bring the final score to 2-1, as the Solid Miners scooped the maximum points to move up to the 6th position on the league table with 33points, while their guests drop to 3rd position, with 36 points.
However, the coach of Nasarawa United during his post match interview said It was an expected outcome after losing to same team during the first stanza in Ilorin.
“We, like any other team in the NPFL, want to be on top of the League table.
“Our ambition is to get one of the continental tickets.
“Chigozie Obasi isn’t a new player to me, but I am happy that he won the Man-of-the-match award in his debut appearance for us. I’m not surprised.”
Reacting after the game, the coach of Kwara United Suleiman A. Expressed dissatisfaction over the match saying the y conceded the first goal as a result of lack of concentration from his boys.
“We were a man down, so, it would definitely have an effect on the game, and for a careless mistake, we conceived the second goal”.
“In fact, this is our best game away from home this season and this is because both sides are good and the game lived up to its billings.”
On his part, Chigozie Obasi who won the man of the match award, ( MVP) said he feel so great been his first league match appearance for Nasarawa United saying it can only be God.
In his word he said “Nasarawa United have great players and coaches and the bonding among us is unique.
“I am here to help them get a Continental slot and this is achievable.”
Nasarawa United will play Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in Bauchi in a week’s time.
