NPFL: Nasarawa United Whitewash Plateau United In Lafia
By Eche Amos
One goal each from Chinedu Ohanachom and Silas Nwankwo in the 51st and 58th minutes respectively in the second half were all Nasarawa United needed to beat neighbouring Plateau United in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 27 clash at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday (June 13, 2021) afternoon.
After the fierce North Central derby ended goalless in the first half, the Solid Miners began their revenge mission over the Jos-based side after losing the reversed fixture 0-1 in Jos.
Right full-back, Chigozie Obasi, drove in a diagonal cross that was nodded down by Aliyu Abdullahi toward the position of Chinedu Ohanachom, and the menacing striker reacted fastest to power it in with a diving header from close range to put the home side in front getting his fifth goal of the season.
Seven minutes later, substitute, Haggai Katoh delivered a dangerous cross inside the Plateau United area, with Aliyu Abdullahi again rising highest to nod down for Chinedu Ohanachom, whose last header was handled by Buhari Ibrahim for a penalty.
In-form striker, Silas Nwankwo, stepped up to convert the eventual spot kick, sending the Plateau United goalkeeper, Adamu Abubakar, the wrong way for his 11th goal of the current campaign and first penalty goal of the season.
2-0 the game ended in favour of the Solid Miners, as Chinedu Ohanachom was voted Man-of-the-Match for his spectacular showing.
In his post-match interview, coach of the Solid Miners, Bala Nikyu who was pleased with the result said: “It’s a beautiful match. The league is getting to an end and if you want to belong, you must play well.
“So, at least, we tried as much as possible to see that we play well and wait for the results to come.
“For Chinedu Ohanachom winning the man-of-the-match, it’s a good thing.
“Most of the matches we have played, such award had been won by my players, and this is a clear indication that the boys are doing well.”
On the other hand, coach of the losing side,
Abdul Maikaba congratulated Nasarawa United for coming out on top while assuring that his boys will keep pushing to ensure they finish in a good position by the end of the season.
The result brings the point gap between Nasarawa United and table-topping Akwa United – who currently have 50pts – to two after the Uyo-based team forced Kano Pillars to a goalless stalemate in Kaduna, with Kano Pillars placing 2nd on the league table with 49 points, one ahead of Nasarawa United, and one below Akwa United.
Enyimba FC of Aba will host Nasarawa United in the next fixture in Aba, Abia State, on Sunday, 20th June, 2021, before the Solid Miners will return to take on visiting Rivers United on Sunday, 27th June, in Lafia in the NPFL Matchday 29 tie.
