The Solid Miners as Nasarawa United is nicknamed recorded its biggest victory ever over bitter and regional rivals, Plateau United by mauling the Jos-based side 3-1 in the round of sixteen of the oldest knock-out football competition in Nigeria, the Aiteo Federation Cup, at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja Kogi State, on Wednesday afternoon.
Nasarawa United who started the game on a brighter note began the onslaught when striker Adamu Hassan was brought down in the Plateau United vital area with the game still at infancy.
Anas Yusuf converted the resulting penalty in the 26th minute.
Moments later, Chigozie Obasi brought his legendary instincts into a bear when he headed out Ibrahim Mustapha’s swiveling goal-bound effort into a corner kick.
Adamu Hassan almost doubled the lead for the Solid Miners toward the closing stages of the first half but for the brilliance of goalkeeper, Adamu Abubakar, who clawed the ball out of the intended destination even as Chigozie Obasi got his thunderous freekick shot poked into corner kick.
Three minutes into the restart, Anas Yusuf’s left-footed low shot into the far end of the post after being released by Silas Nwankwo in the area saw the Solid Miners leading 2-0.
Silas Nwankwo switched from an assist provider to scorer after whizzing his way through the forest of legs to put Nasarawa United in a comfortable 3-0 cushion.
Aware of the danger lurking, Coach Abdul Maikaba introduced some changes and the decision paid off almost immediately as the Peace Boys pulled one back through Amos Gyang in the 71st minute, but the Solid Miners would not allow any more goal into their post as they held onto that scoreline till the regulation time, thereby booking a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Second Division side, Gombe United, who shocked topflight league club, Katsina United 5-4 on penalty shootout after full-time score ended 1-1 apiece in the other clash will be the next opponents of Nasarawa United at a yet-to-be-announced date and venue.
Until then, the Solid Miners will return to Lafia where they will host visiting MFM FC of Lagos in a league game on Sunday, 18th July 2021, before heading to Makurdi three days later to confront Lobi Stars FC in the NPFL matchday 34 fixture.
POST-MATCH REACTIONS:
Coach Bala Nikyu (NAS): “It was a good match, even though before we came, I was expecting a very tough game, but we are happy the goals came for us.
“Anyone who is at the crucial stage of any competition always prays to sail over to the next stage.
“We are into the quarter-finals and we are hoping that we can still have the favor to go to the final.
“But as far as club football is concerned in Nigeria, Plateau United are one of the best teams, but we are lucky we took the day against them today.”
Anas Yusuf(NAS/MVP): “I feel happy for being voted Man-of-the-Match today.
“I thank my teammates and the entire team members for their support.
“It shows that we are doing well as a team and I hope to keep scoring, Insha Allah.”
