Nasarawa United reignited their ambition to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League with a narrow 1-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors in the opening match of the 2023/24 Nigeria National League Super Eight Play-off.
The game, held at the Cathedral Stadium in Enugu on Saturday morning, saw defensive midfielder Moyi Hassan score the only goal with a stunning 25th-minute free-kick.
The decisive moment came after Musa Musa was fouled, presenting Hassan with the opportunity to unleash a powerful long-range strike that left the El-Kanemi goalkeeper helpless. The goal proved sufficient to secure all three points for Nasarawa United, who are determined to bounce back from their recent disappointing performance in the President Federation’s Cup.
In a fiercely contested match, both Northern rivals battled for supremacy, aiming to top the Group standings. El-Kanemi Warriors had a golden chance to equalize with an extra-time penalty, but they failed to convert, allowing Nasarawa United to hold on to their lead. “It was a tough game, but our determination saw us through,” said Nasarawa United coach Bala Nikyu.
The Solid Miners, as Nasarawa United are known, need just one more win in their four-team Group to secure a spot in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier League. Their next test will be against Sokoto United on Monday, June 10, at the same venue. “We are focused on winning our next game to seal our qualification,” emphasized team captain Aminu Abubakar.
Hassan’s performance not only secured the victory but also earned him the Man-of-the-Match award, the first of the Play-off tournament. “I’m honored to be recognized, but the win is what truly matters,” Hassan stated after the match.
The game attracted a handful of top government officials from Nasarawa State, who were in the stands to support their team. Despite the pressure, Nasarawa United managed to maintain composure and discipline, evident from the four yellow cards received by their players: Saviour Chukwu, Emeka Onyema, Ameh Godwin, and Chinonso Okonkwo.
Nasarawa United’s starting line-up featured Ameh Godwin, Aminu Abubakar, Mubarak Hussaini, Emeka Onyema, Saviour Chukwu, Moyi Hassan, Anas Yusuf, Alakija Habibu, Chinonso Okonkwo, Ibrahim Umar Ada, and Musa Musa. Substitutions included Sabo Gambo, Peter Eneji, Chidera Nduka, Terdoo Shimmagande, and King Osanga, while Jerry Isaac, Abdullahi Abubakar, and Ebuka Ekesi remained unused.
The Solid Miners’ victory over El-Kanemi Warriors sets a positive tone for their campaign in the Super Eight Play-off as they aim for a successful return to the top tier of Nigerian football.
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