The Solid Miners had a Saturday to forget in a hurry after letting their 2-0 early lead slip off their grasps as they lost to El-Kanemi Warriors for the first time at the Lafia City Stadium in a league game.
Anas Yusuf had put the homers ahead from the spot in the 14th minute of the first-half after being fouled in the box by El-Kanemi’s goalkeeper, Abine George.
The deadly winger made it 2-0 for United, six minutes later with a well-crafted placement.
But the lead lasted for only seven minutes as the visitors reduced the deficit through Nasiru Salihu who pounced on a defensive frailty inside the box.
The attacker capitalized on another error to draw his side level on 2-2 in the 32nd minute.
Amin Umar ensured United went into the break trailing as he netted the visitors’ third goal, with the scoreline remaining unchanged until the half-time whistle.
Anas Yusuf restored parity for the Solid Miners after lashing home Adamu Hassan’s left footed cross into the box in the 67th minute, to ink his name as the first hat-trick scorer in the elite league this season, and his forth goal for Nasarawa United in three games this campaign.
But the hosts were again undone by the Maiduguri-based side after they were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute.
Bright Etaghara stepped forward to convert the resultant spot kick, as the visitors held on to the tempo to win 3-4 on the road, their first victory against Nasarawa United in Lafia.
The result leaves Nasarawa United on the log with two points while El-Kanemi who have a game at hand now have four points.
The Solid Miners will be on the road to Lagos to face Ikorodu City FC in their next game on Saturday, 28th September, 2024, by 4pm.
Reacting after the game, Nasarawa United, Technical Director, Kabiru Dogo said: “It’s actually not what we planned for today, especially going by our recent results, both home and away. But this is football, you can’t predict what will happen next.
“We accept the defeat, but will certainly bounce back.
“I congratulate El-Kanemi Warriors on their win today. Tomorrow could be our own turn to win away.
“We take responsibility for the defeat and will turn things around.
“The boys are showing both character and improvement in each passing game. With time, I believe we will get things right.
“I want to plead with our loyal supporters and fans never to give up on us. We will bounce back stronger and better.
“In our next game against Ikorodu City in Lagos, we can get a win there. Never rely on today’s result to judge our performance, we are still a work in progress.”
Meanwhile the Technical Adviser of El-Kanemi Warriors, Aliyu Zubairu in his post match reaction stated that the encounter was a good one.
“It’s a very good result for us today.
“Nasarawa United are a very good side. We lost to them twice last season, so we prepared well for them, and we are glad we got a win today,” he concluded.
