In a thrilling match-day fourteen encounter, Nasarawa United finally broke a three-game losing streak in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League Season, defeating visiting Bendel Insurance of Benin City 2-1 at the Lafia City Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The hard-fought victory marked an important turnaround for the Solid Miners which had been struggling to find their footing in recent weeks.
United drew the first blood in the 9th minute, with central defender and Super Eagles of Nigeria player, Victor Collins, pouncing on a clever flick by Anas Yusuf off a King Osanga’s set piece to poke home the opening goal from close range.
However, the Benin Arsenal refused to back down, as they displayed a renewed sense of determination and resilience.
The equalizer came in the 25th minute, courtesy of a cheeky ball from Oritseweyinmi Meyiwa, which defender, Victor Collins couldn’t prevent from going into the back of the net despite his outstretched effort, as both sides carried the momentum into the break.
The winning goal arrived for the hosts in the 51st minute with Qamar Adegoke heading home a pinpoint cross from the wing courtesy of substitute, Chinonso Okonkwo.
The goal sparked jubilation among the home fans who had been eagerly awaiting a win after enduring three consecutive losses.
The win is a crucial turning point for the Solid Miners which face a challenging run of fixtures in the coming weeks, with their next game against Heartland holding in Owerri, before hosting neighbouring Lobi Stars, a week later, and a long trip to Aba, in Abia State, thereafter.
POST-MATCH REACTIONS:
KABIR DOGO(TECH. DIR/NAS): “I am incredibly proud of the team’s effort today.
“We have been working tirelessly to address our recent struggles, and it’s rewarding to see the players’ hard work pay off.
“With this renewed confidence and momentum, the team will look to build on this victory and climb the Premier League’s upper table.”
COACH GREG IKHENOBA(BEN): “It’s disappointing to lose this game because we didn’t plan to lose here, looking at our situation, but that’s football.
“Officiating was good. I was very impressed.
“We will go back home and fix our grey areas and ensure we come back smiling.”
CAUTION(YELLOW CARD):
Ameh Godwin(NAA)86′
Julius Emiloju(BEN)87′
NASARAWA UNITED LINE-UP: Ameh Godwin, Abubakar Abdullahi, Hussaini Mubarak, Emeka Onyema, Victor Collins, Chidera Nduka, Anas Yusuf, Shina Kumater, King Osanga(Chinonso Okonkwo 45′), Qamar Adegoke(Silas Ubebe 72′), Garba Mohammed
UNUSED SUBS: Mohammed Galadima, Kabir Balogun, Manga Mohammed, Abubakar Garba, Habibu Alakija, Sabo Gambo, Auta Awal.
