Nasarawa United endured a frustrating evening as they were held to a goalless draw by Ikorodu City FC in their 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match-day 24 fixture at the Lafia City Stadium on Saturday. The result further deepens their struggles as they continue their battle to escape relegation.
Despite dominating proceedings for large periods of the game, the Solid Miners failed to convert their numerous chances, leaving the home fans disappointed. The hosts threw everything forward in search of a breakthrough but were repeatedly denied by their own wastefulness in front of goal and the resilience of the visitors' defense.
Ikorodu City, currently enjoying a strong season, also had their share of opportunities, with Nasarawa United goalkeeper Detan Ogundare proving to be the difference between a draw and a potential defeat for the home side. Ogundare pulled off several crucial saves to keep his team in the contest.
United’s forward line struggled to find composure in key moments, with the likes of Anas Yusuf, Qamar Adegoke, Idris Ajiya, Garba Abubakar, Abubakar Abdullahi, and Peter Eneji all squandering clear-cut chances in both halves. Their inability to finish off opportunities proved costly as Ikorodu City remained compact at the back.
At the other end, Ikorodu City came close to stealing all three points through Ajeyigbe Toyeeb and Shola Adelani, both of whom tested Ogundare with fierce shots. However, the United goalkeeper was equal to the task, pulling off spectacular saves to prevent a late heartbreak for his side.
The result was particularly disappointing for Nasarawa United, who had emerged victorious in the reverse fixture in Lagos with a 2-1 win. They had hoped to complete the double over their opponents but were left frustrated by a combination of poor finishing and solid defending from the visitors.
With the draw, Nasarawa United remain in 18th position on the NPFL table with 26 points from 24 matches, still mired in the relegation zone. In contrast, Ikorodu City climbed to sixth place with 35 points, maintaining their push for a strong finish this season.
The Solid Miners will now turn their attention to their upcoming away fixture against Bayelsa United on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. It will be a crucial encounter, as they desperately need a win to boost their survival hopes.
Following the trip to Yenagoa, Nasarawa United will return home to face high-flying Remo Stars on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The scheduling adjustments were necessitated by the President Federation’s Cup States’ finals, which will take place nationwide between February 22 and 23.
As the battle for survival intensifies, Nasarawa United must quickly regroup and find solutions to their attacking woes if they are to stand a chance of escaping the drop by the end of the campaign.
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