A resilient Nasarawa United Football Club fought off a resolute Plateau United FC on Sunday to claim a vital 2-0 win in a 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cagey Match Day 27 encounter was played at the Lafia Township stadium.
Plateau United put in an impressive defensive performance which frustrated every move of the home side, thereby forcing the first half to end 0-0.
Even after the break, Plateau United remained resolute at the back, frustrating every effort of Nasarawa United.
They also exploited the midfield to make inroads towards the penalty area of the home side, but this was without success.
NAN however reports that in spite the fine defensive display by Plateau United, Nasarawa United finally broke the deadlock in the 59th minute through Chinedu Ohanachom.
He received a connecting header from Aliyu Abdullahi to nod home in the penalty box.
The same scenario repeated itself leading to the second goal for Nasarawa United in the 65th minute.
Aliyu Abdullahi again nodded in to Ohanachom in the penalty box.
This prompted the centre referee to award a penalty kick which Stanley Nwankwo converted to make it 2-0.
Speaking after the match, Abdul Maikaba, Head Coach of Plateau United, praised his boys for their resilience and fine defensive performance.
He, however, blamed the harsh weather for the loss of concentration which led to the two goals scored against his side.
But apart from some times, both teams played very well and i congratulate Nasarawa United. It was their victory.
“As for my team, we tried our best, most especially in the first half. But I believe the weather ran my boys down.
“Nevertheless, we will keep pushing to see if we can end up in the top four or top five on the log at the end of the season,” the coach said.
NAN reports the win leaves Nasarawa United in the third position on the 2020/2021 NPFL season log after 27 matches played.(NAN)
