Nasarawa United endured a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match-day twenty-three encounter at the Maiduguri Township Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Despite their dominance and attacking intent, the Solid Miners left empty-handed after a solitary first-half goal sealed their fate.
Al-amin Umar’s 27th-minute strike proved to be the difference between the two sides, as Nasarawa United failed to capitalize on their numerous chances. The visitors controlled possession, dictated the tempo, and threatened the El-Kanemi defense throughout the game but lacked the cutting edge to turn their superiority into goals.
From the kickoff, United showed their attacking intent, pressing high and forcing the home side onto the back foot. The midfield trio of Abubakar Aliyu, Shina Kumater, and Moyi Hassan orchestrated play with precision, providing a steady supply of passes to the attacking trio of Idris Ajiya, Anas Yusuf, and Garba Abubakar. However, El-Kanemi’s disciplined defensive structure kept them at bay.
El-Kanemi Warriors struggled to create clear chances in the early stages but remained patient and compact. Against the run of play, they found the breakthrough in the 27th minute when a swift counter-attack saw Al-amin Umar latch onto a through ball before slotting a low shot past goalkeeper Mohammed Galadima. The goal stunned the visitors, shifting the momentum slightly in the home side’s favor.
Despite going behind, Nasarawa United maintained their attacking pressure, coming close to equalizing before halftime. Abubakar Aliyu’s well-taken free kick forced a fingertip save from the El-Kanemi goalkeeper, while Idris Ajiya thought he had won a penalty after being brought down inside the box, only for the referee to wave away the appeals and award a goal-kick.
The second half saw Nasarawa United continue their search for an equalizer, but El-Kanemi’s defense remained resolute. Idris Ajiya and Garba Abubakar both had attempts on goal, but their finishing let them down. The home side, content with their lead, defended deep and looked to hit on the counter whenever possible.
As the minutes ticked away, frustration grew for the visitors. Nasarawa United threw everything forward in the closing stages, but El-Kanemi’s backline stood firm, denying them a way back into the contest. The final whistle signaled a bitter defeat for the Solid Miners, who will feel they deserved more from the game.
The loss leaves Nasarawa United in 18th position on the NPFL table with 22 points, increasing their relegation worries. Meanwhile, El-Kanemi Warriors climbed to 4th place with 35 points, having played one game fewer than their closest rivals.
Up next for Nasarawa United is a crucial home fixture against Ikorodu City at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday, February 16, 2025. With survival on the line, the Solid Miners must regroup and secure maximum points in front of their home fans.
Post-Match Reaction
Kabir Dogo (Technical Director, Nasarawa United):
“We are gutted to lose today, but we can’t fault our effort. The players gave everything, and I am incredibly proud of their display. We dominated, created chances, and deserved more from the match. Sometimes, football can be cruel, but we will take the positives, analyze our performance, and come back stronger in our next game against Ikorodu City at home.”
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