Nasarawa United narrowly lost 0-1 to Wikki Tourists in the matchday 22 of the Nigerian Professional Football League clash held at the Abubakar Tafa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, this evening.
The match, dubbed as northern derby, saw the hosts launching the first onslaught as early as in the fourth minute when Mohammed Guda took an ambitious shot on goal but went over the bar.
United replied almost immediately through Chinedu Ohanachom who capitalized on a defensive frailty to shoot on target but his shot was parried into corner-kick by Wikki goalkeeper, Ibrahim Pius.
In the quarter of an hour, Haggai Katoh had the chance to put United in the driver’s seat with only the goalkeeper to beat after benefiting from a great pass from Abubakar Lawal, but his final touch saw the ball rolled through the goal-mouth for a Goalkick.
United kept the pressure on their hosts as Haggai Katoh made up for his first blush with some beautiful stepovers in the box before lashing a sublime shot that clattered against the woodwork in the 25th minute.
Wikki, however, took the lead in the 27th minute within the box courtesy of Freedom Omofoma after pouncing on an inswinging cross.
The second-half resumed with United launching a counter attack, Abdallah released Ohanachom in the box and the latter flicked it over the goalkeeper only to be flagged offside.
Abubakar Lawal came close to drawing the Solid Miners level in the 74th minute, but his shot swept through the goal mouth.
Further threats from United could not produce any goal as the referee blew the final whistle to put score at 1-0 in favour of Wikki Tourists.
In his post-match presser, Ikenna Offor attributed his team’s loss to lack of luck.
“We did our best but luck wasn’t on our side. We outplayed them and got a couple of chances on goal but we couldn’t convert them.
“The only clear chance they got, they utilized.
“I am disappointed with the result, but we have to put that aside and prepare for our next game at home.
“Our fans should keep supporting us as we will try as much as possible to win our next games”, he assured.
United will play Katsina United on Sunday, next week in the matchday 23 tie.
NASARAWA UNITED LINE-UP: Danlami Umar,Ibrahim Matthew, Ebuka Anaekwe, Mayaki Idriss, Franklin Tebo, Chineme Martins, Ikenna Offor(Mohammed Shammasu 89′), Haggai Katoh, Abdallah Mohammed(Solomon Chidi 62′), Chinedu Ohanachom, Abubakar Lawal(Anas Yusuf 75′)
UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: Galadima Mohammed, Abubakar Abdullahi, Dauda Maigishiri, Bashiru Mansour.
TECHNICAL ADVISER: Bala Nikyu
