The Solid Miners secured a crucial 1-0 victory over their next-door neighbours, Lobi Stars, in a tense 2024/25 Nigeria Premier League Match-day Sixteen clash at the Lafia City Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The win courtesy of Qamar Adegoke’s 12th minute strike propelled Nasarawa United out of the relegation zone, leapfrogging their opponents, Lobi Stars to 14th position in the current league standings.
In a match marked by intense rivalry and determination, United dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities throughout the encounter.
Lobi also struck the woodwork courtesy of John Mark before the interval.
Despite a late surge by Lobi Stars, the Solid Miners’ resolute defence held firm to secure a vital three points, throwing the home crowd into raptures.
It was United’s second consecutive home win in recent times and provided a significant boost to their survival hopes.
Prior to kick-off, the duo of Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United and Ossy Martins of Lobi Stars who are currently in the Super Eagles’ Team B Camp received their Months of September and October League Bloggers’ Awards in absentia, respectively.
Nasarawa United’s Chairman, Solomon Babanjah, joined by the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, Salisu Galadima ‘Basira’ and Nasarawa United’s Director of Media, Eche Amos, presented the LBA AWARDS on behalf of the Organizers.
United’s Technical Director, Kabir Dogo, expressed his delight at Saturday’s result during the post-match interviews.
*POST-MATCH REACTIONS.*
KABIR DOGO(TECH. DIR/NAS): “I thank God for the success today.
“There have been improvements in our last three games, but there is room for more improvement; we need to win more games and move up higher the ladder.
“Today’s game is a fierce rivalry clash, full of high intensity and technicalities. Lobi Stars are not a pushover side; they gave us a good fight because they are well acclimatized with the terrain here as they use this same turf for their home games.
“We thank our supporters and fans for their undiluted support.
“We implore them never to relent as we will get out of the present predicament.”
QAMAR ADEGOKE(NAS/SCORER): “I feel great scoring the winning goal for my team today.
“As you can see, this is my second goal for the club in four appearances this season.
“I wish to score as many goals as possible to help my team come out of its current situation.”
CAUTION(YELLOW CARD):
Terdoo Shimagande (NAS)42′
Sabo Gambo(NAS)59′
NASARAWA UNITED LINE-UP: Mohammed Galadima, Abubakar Abdullahi, Mubarak Hussaini, Chidera Nduka, Emeka Onyema, Manga Mohammed, Terdoo Shimagande(Sabo Gambo 46′), Qamar Adegoke(Garba Abubakar 51′), Shina Kumater, Chinonso Okonkwo(Adamu Hassan 69′), Garba Mohammed(Moyi Hassan 84′).
UNUSED SUBS: Jerry Isaac, Uchenna Odeh, Kabir Balogun, Silas Ubebe, King Osanga.
CREDIT: Eche Amos (Fellow, CBS), Director of Media, Nasarawa United FC.