Nasarawa United are experiencing one of their darkest days in the Nigeria Premier Football League after painfully going down 1-0 to Bendel Insurance in the NPFL match-day eight fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday evening.
The Team who finished just slightly outside of the top-five last season have endured six defeats while scooping four points from two games this term.
Nasarawa United, basking in the euphoria of their previous home victory over Kwara United FC, were in high spirit ahead of the clash against Bendel Insurance, with the hope to escape the drop zone at the end of the first phase of the abridged league.
The visitors took the game to their hosts upon the blast of the whistle in search of an early lead with Chinedu Ohanachom dashing onto a pass from Chidera Nduka only for the flag to go up against him.
With the game approaching the half-hour mark, goalkeeper, Jerry Isaac, had to be at his outstretched best to pull out a goal-bound effort by the home side.
Despite the travellers having more ball advantage, both sides went into the break with scores at goalless stalemate.
Seven minutes into the restart, Bendel Insurance took the lead courtesy of Ebuka Akobundu after the United’s defence failed to deal with a contentious ball in their territory.
Things went from bad to worse for the Solid Miners when second-half substitute, Chris Madaki, was shown the marching order after receiving a second yellow card for a rough tackle on his opponent, reducing the side to ten men.
Both sides effected some tactical changes but none of the decisions could produce any further goal as United were subjected to another bad day in the league this Season.
The team will return home to take on visiting Remo Stars on Monday, 20th February, 2023, after which the first stanza of the league will come to an end.
POST-MATCH REACTIONS :
Abubakar Arikya, “It’s a bad result for us today against our expectations.
“The boys did their best but it wasn’t enough.
“We had some vital scoring chances which didn’t come through for us.
“But, like we always say, things will get better for us, going forward.”
Monday Odigie(Technical Director/BEN): “I’m thankful to God despite playing two difficult games in the space of four days.
“It’s a difficult game for us today as we struggled from the beginning to the end – fatigue emanating from long journeys and congested fixtures are affecting the teams.
“I do hope that those who run the league will consider the plights of the players.
“Nasarawa United are a tough side. They finished among the top six last season, and we thank God that the only chance we got, we converted.”
