Nasarawa United were forced to their second home draw this season as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Sunshine Stars of Akure in the Nigeria Professional Football League matchday twelve clash on Sunday evening.
Before kick-off, rising sensation, Shammasu Mohammed, was presented with a brand new pair of boots by Club Chairman, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, for his heroism, and another award presented to him by the State’s Chairman of Players’ Union, Jibrin Ali (a.k.a Baggio), all aimed at encouraging him to sustain the tempo.
The away side started brightly, creating some early chances before former United player, Ugochukwu Leonard got on the end of a cross from Kamaru Adebari in the area to fire the Owena Whales in front in the 4th minute.
However, United, just as they did against Enyimba in their last home game, woke up from their slumber and drew level before the interval. Michael Tochukwu’s left-footed shot clattered against the woodwork before rebounding toward Lawal Shehu who poked it in from close distance in the 41st minute with the State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, accompanied by other high profile Government functionaries, lending his support from the stands.
The home side wasted three great chances in the second half in an effort to complete the turnaround with Bashiru Usman’s close range effort going inches wide and Charles Eguavon’s strike almost finding the back of the net, while Abubakar Abdullahi’s last minute dint hit the upright, as they continue to work to overturn from severe profligacy in front of goal since the start of this campaign.
The draw means the Solid Miners remain 9th in the standings on 17th points from twelve games played, eight points adrift of leaders, Rivers United, while Sunshine Stars drop down to 13th position with fourteen points.
Nasarawa United will travel to play Rangers of Enugu at their temporary ground at the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium, Nnewi, Anambra State during the midweek before returning to take on Niger Tornadoes at home four days later.
*POST-MATCH REACTIONS
Coach Abubakar Arikya: “Today isn’t our day, but that is one of the angles of the game.
“But we bear with the outcome and move on, especially against our next opponents, Enugu Rangers during the midweek.”
Coach Deji Ayeni: “Like I used to say, every match comes with a different approach. We lost to Enyimba at home, even though we didn’t play badly, but we didn’t have luck on our side.
“So, we had to restrategise against Nasarawa United, knowing that Enyimba picked points at our backyard.
“We almost got the winner but for human error. We are happy that our plans worked and we are happy with the result.
“Nasarawa United are a fantastic team; everybody knows their pedigree in Nigeria club football.
“They have an experienced tactician in Bala Nikyu whom I respect a lot.
“If officiating continues this way, I think Nigeria football will get a headway.
“In our next match, when we get to the bridge, we will cross it.”
CAUTION
(Yellow Card):
Bolu Sholumade(SUN)29′
Manga Mohammed(NAS)56′
Abubakar Abdullahi(NAS)77′
NASARAWA UNITED LINE-UP: Danlami Umar, Abubakar Abdullahi, Manga Mohammed, Ugochukwu Gabriel, Ini Edem, Ikenna Offor(Bashiru Usman 70′), Chidera Nduka, Michael Tochukwu (Dauda Maigishiri 70′), Lawal Shehu(King Osanga 83′), Charles Eguavon, Tolulope Oluwole(Shammasu Mohammed 70′).
UNUSED SUBS: Mustapha Danjuma, Afeez Bankole, Paul Odeh, Victor Collins, Moyi Hassan.
