Former Super Eagles coach, Salisu Yusuf, has reacted to Nasarawa United’s first defeat under his management after an own goal handed Kwara United a 1-0 victory on Wednesday.
The Matchday 31 fixture of the 2024/2025 NPFL season, played at the Rasheed Yekini Sports Complex in Ilorin, saw Emeka Onyema score an own goal in the 64th minute while attempting to clear Abayomi Lawal’s effort. This costly mistake marked Nasarawa United’s first loss since Yusuf took charge six weeks ago.
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It was a disappointing outing for the Lafia Boys, who finished the North Central derby with ten men after Utake Emmanuel received a second yellow card, reducing the team’s strength on the field.
Reacting to the intense encounter, Coach Salisu Yusuf said: “We played well and managed to contain Kwara United’s strengths. Unfortunately, we lost focus at a crucial moment.
“The own goal resulted from a misplaced clearance when we lost possession in midfield. In such moments, it requires intelligence and composure to make the right decision, but unfortunately, the defender was unable to prevent the ball from going in.
“The team performed well and gave our opponents a tough challenge. We should have won this match.
“This is my first defeat since taking charge of the club. I have been working with the available players to navigate the remaining fixtures, and I must say, they have great potential.
“Despite the setback, we choose to focus on the positives from today’s game and use this as motivation to regroup and come back stronger in our next two home games.”
Despite the disappointing result, the Solid Miners remain in the NPFL top flight, sitting in 16th place with 36 points.
They will look to bounce back when they host back-to-back home games at the Lafia City Stadium—against Akwa United on Sunday, April 6th, and Plateau United on Sunday, April 13th, 2025.
