The Solid Miners made real their intention to take the 2023/24 Nigeria National League by storm as they forced hosts, EFCC FC of Abuja to a nil-nil draw in the match-day two clash of the new campaign at the Old Parade Ground Football Field, Abuja, on Friday evening.
The Lafia-based side, still fresh from their 1-0 win over visiting Zamfara United, a fortnight ago, in the league’s curtain raiser in Lafia, were hoping to feast on the Buffalos, as the Abuja-based club is nicknamed, after they suffered a heart-rending 5-0 thrashing in the hands of Wikki Tourists in Bauchi, a week ago.
However, it was the hosts who started the threat shortly after kick-off.
Quick-footed Mukhtar Musa retaliated almost immediately for United with a shot from range, but was dealt with by former United goalkeeper, David Yinka.
Centre back, Manga Mohammed’s free-kick from 25 yards went inches above the cross-bar, even as Chinedu Ohanachom’s appeals after being clipped down inside the box were waved away by the Centre Referee.
Aliyu Abubakar of EFCC responded with an ambitious effort from distance, with his attempt going off-target.
The duo of Chinedu Ohanachom and Ham Danjuma made series of attempts on goal before the break but to no avail.
Both sides remained adamant, heading to the half-time.
Despite effecting some tactical changes in the reverse half, the game could not produce any goal for either side, as they shared the points, the result of which shut United to the summit of the Group C table with four points from two games.
Nasarawa United’s Chairman, Dr. Othman Ibrahim Ahmed, alongside his Management team, was on hand to receive the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, who had led a delegation of some critical stakeholders from the State to cheer the Solid Miners to victory, including the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Garba Mohammed Tsimbabi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi; Chairman, Nasarawa State Football Association, Salisu Galadima (Basira), His Royal Highness, Abaga Toni 11, Lawrence Ayih(JP), among others.
The Solid Miners will face another border neighbours, Mighty Jets FC of Jos, at the Lafia City Stadium, in their next game, on Saturday, 2nd December, 2023.
CAUTION(YELLOW CARD):
Chinedu Ohanachom (NAS)15′
Ezeh Chibuzor(EFCC)78′
POST-MATCH REACTIONS
COACH ADAMS USMAN(NAS), said “Football isn’t mathematics. As far as football is concerned, you should expect anything.
“It wasn’t an easy game for us today because the team needed to bounce back from their devastating result against Wikki Tourists FC last week in Bauchi, more so that it’s a home game for them.
“Also, the field made it difficult for us to have a free-flowing game. However, we are grateful for the point picked on the road.
“Our next game at home against Mighty Jets FC of Jos, we will approach it as it comes.
“We won’t take it with levity because they are not a bad side either.”
On his part, Coach of EFCC, Kabiru Sani said “Though we needed the three points today, but I give it to my wards because our last result in Bauchi wasn’t good for our pedigree.
“The boys are gradually picking up, and we hope to keep the momentum going.
“Nasarawa United are a well-determined team. Their game plans worked for them.
“Our next game is against NAF FC here in Abuja. That’s a local derby, and we are poised to get the maximum points in that game.”
NASARAWA UNITED LINE-UP: Jerry Isaac, Abubakar Abdullahi, Suleiman Akoza, Manga Mohammed, Emeka Onyema, Chidera Nduka, Mukhtar Musa(Jibrin Jalo 77′), Sambo Gambo(Shammasu Mohammed 77′), Ham Danjuma, Chinedu Ohanachom(Attahiru Zangina 49′), Moses Ajiboye(Anas Yusuf 45′).
UNUSED SUBS: Ameh Godwin, Aminu Abubakar, Saviour Chukwu, King Osanga, Adamu Hassan.
Eche Amos (Fellow, CBS),
Media Officer,
Nasarawa United FC.
