Nasarawa United FC took a trip to Aba, Abia State, seeking redemption against the People’s Elephants, Enyimba FC in the Nigeria Professional Football League matchday 28 clash.
Arising from their back-to-back victories over Warri Wolves and Plateau United respectively in their last two home games, the Solid Miners looked poised to take their pound of flesh against the eight-time league winners who before today’s encounter had beaten the visitors in their backyard in Lafia during the first stanza of the current campaign.
From the blast of the whistle, United looked promising upfront with the duo of Adamu Hassan and Chinedu Ohanachom coming close to scoring the opener at infancy.
In the 20th minute, the hosts’ Reuben Bala returned the threat with a shot from distance but Tebo Franklin put his body on the line to prevent it from getting to the intended destination.
Moments later, Victor Okoro, would call John Noble in goal for Enyimba to action with a shot but the Super Eagles’ goal tender was alive to the danger.
The first half saw United leading in possession but only lacking in goals.
Upon resumption, the home side turned the tide, Victor Mbaoma thundering a shot from close range but ended up off target.
That was momentarily followed by a cheeky Austin Oladapo’s sizzling toed shot which flipped inches above the crossbar.
Nasarawa United reacted later on after Haggai Katoh’s magical hip-swiveling pass found Aliyu Abdullahi and the latter powered an angled cross that almost slipped off the grip of goalkeeper, John Noble.
After both teams introduced some changes, Enyimba came close to scoring after Super Eagles’ attacking midfielder, Anayo Iwuala found a freestanding substitute, Philip Orok inside the area but his shot went haywire for a goal kick.
As the clock ticked against the home side in the tension-soaked duel, Nasarawa United held firmly till the regulation time, sharing the spoils at the Enyimba International Stadium to the frustration of the fans of the two-times’ CAF Champions League winners, a result that lifts the Solid Miners to the 2nd position on the league table with 49 points, four points behind table-topping Akwa United.
Former Nigerian junior international and Nasarawa United right-back, Chigozie Obasi, was voted Man-of-the-match for his spectacular showing.
Rivers United will be the guests of Nasarawa United at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday, 27th June 2021, in the matchday 29 tie.
