Bayelsa United secured a late equalizer to deny Nasarawa United an important away victory as both sides played out a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on NPFL Matchday 25. The visitors were on the verge of their second away win of the season until Ogba Ifeanyi struck in the final seconds of the game to rescue a point for the hosts.
Nasarawa United made an explosive start, silencing the home crowd within seconds of kickoff. Idris Ajayi, who recently joined the club during the mid-season transfer window, wasted no time making his mark, scoring in the first minute of the game. His goal is now one of the fastest of the current NPFL campaign.
Bayelsa United had an opportunity to respond in the seventh minute when Yusuf found himself unmarked inside the box. However, Nasarawa’s goalkeeper, Detan Ogundare, pulled off a spectacular save, denying what seemed like a certain goal. The visitors continued to press forward, and Bayelsa’s goalkeeper, Elkanah, was forced into a crucial stop in the 12th minute to keep his side in the contest.
Despite the early setback, the Prosperity Boys gradually found their rhythm and increased their attacking intensity. Their persistence finally paid off in the 38th minute when Rabiu Abdulahi finished off a well-worked move to bring the home side level. The goal ended Bayelsa United’s three-match goal drought and reignited hope among the home supporters.
Just when it seemed the teams would head into the break level, Idris Ajayi struck again in first-half added time, restoring Nasarawa United’s lead with a clinical finish. His brace gave the visitors a significant advantage at halftime, putting pressure on Bayelsa to respond.
The second half saw the home side introduce fresh legs, with Sadiq Auwal making way for Eyong Nneoye in the 54th minute. However, Bayelsa United struggled to break through Nasarawa’s compact defense, as the Solid Miners remained disciplined and determined to protect their lead.
In a bid to change the tide, Bayelsa United made a triple substitution in the 77th minute, bringing on Ebimobowei Peter, Emo James, and Loveday Saro for Yahaya Ibrahim, Rabiu Abdulahi, and Adamu Yazid. The changes added energy to their attack, but they still found it difficult to break down Nasarawa’s resistance.
As the game entered stoppage time, Nasarawa United looked set to secure a crucial away victory. However, Bayelsa refused to give up and continued piling pressure. Their efforts paid off dramatically in the eighth minute of added time when Ogba Ifeanyi struck an equalizer, sending the home crowd into celebration.
Nasarawa United players protested, believing the goal should have been ruled offside, but the referee dismissed their appeals, allowing the goal to stand. The final whistle soon followed, confirming a thrilling 2-2 draw.
The result keeps Nasarawa United in 18th place with 27 points from 25 matches, leaving them still battling for survival. Meanwhile, Bayelsa United, despite avoiding defeat, would feel they missed a chance to secure all three points at home.
Next up for Nasarawa United is a semi-final clash in the Nasarawa State President Federation’s Cup against Si14 Football Club of Keffi on Friday, February 21, 2025. They will then host NPFL league leaders Remo Stars on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Lafia City Stadium.
For Bayelsa United, this dramatic result serves as a confidence boost as they aim to improve their league standings in the coming fixtures.
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