In a pulsating NPFL match-day 23 clash, Nasarawa United suffered a cruel 1-0 defeat at the hands of El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri on Saturday, despite dominating large spells of the encounter.
The Solid Miners, desperate for a crucial win, dictated proceedings from the first whistle, carving out chance after chance.
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However, their wastefulness in front of goal proved costly as El-Kanemi’s Al-Amin Umar struck a decisive blow in the 27th minute, capitalizing on a rapid counter-attack to fire past Mohammed Galadima.
United threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, with midfield maestros Abubakar Aliyu, Shina Kumater, and Moyi Hassan orchestrating waves of attacks. The attacking trio of Idris Ajiya, Anas Yusuf, and Garba Abubakar kept El-Kanemi’s defense on high alert, but a combination of poor finishing and heroic goalkeeping kept them at bay.
Drama ensued before halftime when Ajiya appeared to be hauled down inside the box, only for the referee to controversially wave play on, much to the fury of the visitors.
The second half saw Nasarawa United maintain their relentless pressure, but El-Kanemi Warriors held firm, denying every attempt and clinging to their slender lead until the final whistle.
The painful loss leaves Nasarawa United stranded in 18th place with 22 points, while El-Kanemi Warriors soar to fourth with 35 points and a game in hand.
DOGO REACTS:
A visibly frustrated Technical Director, Kabir Dogo, lamented his side’s misfortune:
“We are gutted to lose today, but we can’t fault our effort. We dominated, created several chances, and deserved more. Sometimes, football can be cruel. We’ll regroup and come back stronger at home against Ikorodu City.”
The Solid Miners will now turn their focus to a must-win showdown against Ikorodu City at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday, February 16, at 4 PM. Can they bounce back? Only time will tell!
