Two early first-half goals from King Osanga and Nelson Anbiam helped Nasarawa United edge Lobi Stars 2-1 in a friendly derby played at Federal University, Lafia, as substitute Elijah Ani reduced the deficit from the spot.
Lobi Stars’ exhibited a good display in the early proceedings with decent scoring opportunities that would have given the visitors the desired lead with less than 9 minutes of play, unfortunately, they lack the final cutting edge.
Ezekiel Leo saw his beautiful header in the 8th minute that beat goalkeeper Mohammed Galadima of Nasarawa after a good delivery in the box by John Lazarus of Lobi Stars, however, the ball was cleared on the goal line by Nasarawa United centre Back Emeka Onyema for a corner kick.
The host broke the deadlock through King Osanga in the 14th minute, after the winger received a decent through pass from Kazeem Abdulrafiu in the middle of the pack to strike beyond goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel to make it 1-0.
Wasiu Alalade almost restore parity for the visitors after the restart but, unfortunately, his beautiful strike went narrowly off the target for a goal kick. The host ( Nasarawa United doubled their lead 6 minutes after when Nelson Anbiam diverted King Osanga’s free-kick that hit the target once again to make it 2-0.
The visitors regrouped quickly after the setback to reduce the deficit, however, their efforts were characterised by missed chances as the first half ended 2-0 in favour of the host team.
Lobi Stars intensified their onslaught in search of an opener after the break when they drew inspiration from head coach team talk Mohammed Baba Ganaru.
The gaffer made some tactical changes when he took off John Lazarus, Ezekiel Leo, Joseph Atule and Wasiu Alalade in the 45th and 58th minute and introduced Solomon Kwambe, Godfrey Utim, Mustapha Dan Azimi and Elijah Ani.
Substitute Mustapha Dan Azimi dazzled his marker Aminu Yusuf and was brought down in the 18-yard box by left the full back leaving the centre referee with no option than to point to the penalty spot.
Substitute Elijah Ani stepped up for the big occasion and sent goalkeeper Galadima the wrong way in on his debut to change the scoreline to 2-1.
Efforts made by the visitors through Utim and Kwambe were proved abortive as goalkeeper Galadima and his defence line thwarted the efforts of the visitors as the centre referee called off the game after regulation time.
