The new Jos Stadium was the venue for the North-Central local derby between Plateau United and Nasarawa United as the 2019/2020 Nigerian Professional Football League Season entered week 24 during the weekend.
Both teams headed into the game with emotion taking its toll following the death of Chineme Martins, a player of Nasarawa United last weekend in lafia.
Before kick-off, a minute of silence was observed in his honour, while players and officials wore black arm band, an act that was observed across other match venues in the country.
Nasarawa United were hoping to end Plateau United’s unbeaten home record this season. However, it was the hosts who began the attacking move four minutes into the game with an attempt on goal that was well curtailed by goalkeeper, Danlami Umar.
Six minutes later, Anas Yusuf was to put Nasarawa United in the driver’s seat but his final third was cleared into corner kick.
Abba Umar’s ambitious long range could only win him a round of applause from the home fans as Nasarawa United goalkeeper was on the alert to deal with the situation.
At the 20th minute, play was momentarily stopped with an applause to once again honour late Chineme Martins.
Upon resumption, Plateau United were awarded a controversial penalty and Amos Gyang stepped up to slot it home to put the hosts in a momentary lead in the 28th minute.
Nasarawa United’s calls for a penalty when Ikenna Offor was hurled down in the box were waved away by the referee as Chinedu Ohanachom was yellow carded for decent.
However, Nasarawa United turned defence to attack as a long kick from goalkeeper, Danlami Umar from his goal area skipped the defence of Plateau United and Chinedu Ohanachom was best positioned to easily tap in to draw Nasarawa United on level terms in the 40th minute, his fourth goal in two consecutive matches, and six in all games for United this season for the 26-year-old former Heartland lethal striker.
Anas Yusuf almost doubled the tally for Nasarawa United in the 43rd minute but his final touch cannoned over the bar.
Both teams headed into the half time with result standing at 1-1 apiece.
As the second half restarted, Ohanachom benefited from a return pass from a Plateau United defender, but before he could execute his plans, he was crowded out by the swarm of the home side’s players.
Former Nasarawa United midfielder, Isah Ndala, tried a long range effort but the shot swept beside the net.
Right full back, Ibrahim Matthew, brought tension to fans of the home side when his diagonal cross from the flank into the box was spilt over by goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye, to the waiting legs of Ikenna Offor whose decision was well timed by the hosts’ defence as they overpowered him in the box.
Goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye once again, was caught napping after he left his territory but substitute, Abubakar Lawal, delayed his execution as the goalkeeper made up for his blushes.
Some lack of communication in the defence of Nasarawa United gifted Plateau United their second goal of the evening as a low drive from Mustapha Ibrahim deflected off the body of defender, Moses Tsehuan, and into the net in the 82nd minute.
The scoreline remained 2-1 till the final whistle, a result that now places Nasarawa United on the 15th position on the League table.
Speaking to Nasarawa United Media shortly after the game, scorer of the Solid Miners’ consolation goal, Chinedu Ohanachom, said he was delighted to score again, adding that he dedicated the goal to his late room-mate and team-mate, Chineme Martins.
“I am so excited and happy to score today. But most importantly, too, with tears in my eyes, and pains in my soul, I dedicate the goal to our late team-mate who was also my room-mate.
“He was the one who was always encouraging me to score goals. He was the one who told me I would score a hat-trick against Katsina United before that game in Lafia. Today, he is no more, but I am dedicating my goal against Plateau United this evening to him”, Ohanachom stated.
Nasarawa United will now journey back to Lafia in preparation for the clash against Akwa United on Wednesday on matchday 25.
