By Eche Amos, Media Officer, Nasarawa United FC
The Solid Miners continue to exceed all expectations as they overpowered their northern neighbours, Katsina United by 1-0 at the Lafia City Stadium as 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League Season entered week five.
The host went into the dicey tie after forcing a goalless stalemate at Adamawa United in Gombe during the midweek.
Frontman, Chinedu Ohanachom came close to scoring when goalkeeper, Danlami Umar’s long-range kick went past the visitors’ defence pair of Faisal Sani and Sanusi Abdulmutalab in the 3rd minute, but his final touch flipped slightly above the bar for a goal kick.
Moments later, box-to-box midfielder, Sadiq Abdulrazaq, powered a volley from distance which clattered against the woodwork to the relief of the visitors’ bench.
Katsina United responded with some flashy and threatening attempts but at each point were met by a solid Nasarawa United defence marshalled by the quartet of Tebo Franklin, Uzochukwu Chigozie, Abubakar Abdullahi and Ini Edem, and brilliant goalkeeping from Danlami Umar.
Heading toward the break, Habibu Yakubu combined well with Souley Mohamoudou in the Solid Miners’ half only for their intention to be well-read by the goalkeeper, Danlami Umar.
Both teams went into the half-time with scores at goalless stalemate.
Upon resumption, Nasarawa United capitalised on a defensive frailty as Silas Nwankwo used his pace and energy to outsmart the opponents’ backline, before trying a low shot that was parried by the goalkeeper, Yusuf Muhammed Bala into the waiting feet of Ikenna Ofor whose rebound shot went haywire.
In the 49th minute, the home side broke the deadlock through defender, Uzochukwu Austin Chigozie, after he rose highest to nod Haggai Katoh’s corner kickkick into the back of the net.
Despite introducing fresher legs by coaches of both sides, the result remained unchanged as the centre referee blew the final whistle, the third win for the Solid Miners in all games played so far and the second home win this term, as 20-year-old Tebo Franklin was voted Man-of-the-Match for his outstanding performance, the second time the former Virtosha Vistrisha of Bulgaria player would be scooping the award.
MATCH REACTIONS:
COACH BALA NIKYU(Nasarawa United):
“The scoreline wasn’t our target, but we are very fine with the three points, despite that there was no flow in the game.
“The opponents were very physical and tried to delay unnecessarily.
“But I am happy that the current Management of Club gave me the free hand to bring in the best legs to the Club and this is paying off.”
COACH BISHIR SADAUKI(Katsina United):
“I am building a new team, but I played a game which I wasn’t supposed to lose, even though Nasarawa United are a good side.
“I normally don’t complain about officiating, but we will have to move on from here.”
TEBO FRANKLIN( MVP, Nasarawa United):
“I am once again happy but not satisfied because we still have a long way to go.
“I must applaud my teammates for always giving their best. I must say we have been very united.”
CAUTIONS:
(Yellow Card):
Nas. Utd: Chinedu Ohanachom 51′,Sadiq Abdulrazak 59′, King Osanga 89′.
Kat. Utd: Faisal Sani 43′,Usman Barau 54′, Boubacar Massaly 89′.
Warri Wolves are the next opponents of the Solid Miners in Ozoro, Delta State, on Sunday, 24th January 2021.
NASARAWA UNITED X1: Danlami Umar, Abubakar Abdullahi, Ini Edem, Abdulrazak Sadiq, Uzochukwu Austin Chigozie, Franklin Tebo, Aliyu Abdullahi Adam(King Osanga 71′), Haggai Katoh(Victor Okoro 81′), Chinedu Ohanachom(Adamu Hassan 71′), Silas Nwankwo, Ikenna Ofor(David Ehiaghe 81′)
UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: Galadima Mohammed, Emeka Onyema, Ibrahim Matthew, Ebuka Anaekwe, Dauda Maigishiri
TECHNICAL ADVISER: Bala Nikyu.
