In what would have been the Solid Miners’ second win on the road this season, it was Ogba Ifeanyi’s extra-time goal for Bayelsa United that denied the visitors victory in a dramatic fashion as both sides settled for a 2-2 draw at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on midweek match-day 25 fixture.
Nasarawa United’s centre forward, Idris Ajiya, registered his name in the scoresheet since joining the Club during the mid-season transfer window, in less than a minute into kick-off, considered as one of the fastest goals of the current campaign, giving United an early lead.
As the game progressed, Bayelsa United pushed hard for an equalizer and got rewarded in the 38th minute courtesy of Rabiu Abdullahi.
Idris Ajiya returned the Solid Miners to the lead again with a top-notch finish, two minutes into the extra time, as the travellers held firm heading into the break.
The reverse half saw the home side come out with renewed energy, but could not find the leveller in regulation time.
United thought they had won their second game on the road this season after exhausting the five minutes of added time in the second half, only for Ogba Ifeanyi to break the away team’s heart with a 90+8th minute goal, as appeals for an offside by the visiting side were overturned by the referee.
2-2 was the frenetic finale as frantic further push from both teams to alter the scoreline ended in a deadlock, with the Solid Miners beginning life under a new guidance.
Wednesday’s result means United remain in 18th position with 27 points from 25 games.
The team will return to Lafia to participate in the semi-final match of the Nasarawa State President Federation’s Cup against Si14 Football Club of Keffi, on Friday, 21st February, 2025, before hosting league leaders, Remo Stars,on Wednesday, 26th February, 2025, at the Lafia City Stadium, by 4pm.
CAUTION(YELLOW CARD):
Abubakar Aliyu(NAS)26′
Rabiu Abdullahi(BAY)62′
NASARAWA UNITED LINE-UP: Detan Ogundare, Abubakar Abdullahi, Mubarak Hussaini, Moyi Hassan(Victor Collins 50′), Utake Emmanuel, Benson Abbey, Shina Kumater, Abubakar Aliyu(Peter Eneji 52′), Idris Ajiya, Qamar Adegoke(Manga Mohammed 90+3′), Garba Mohammed(Abubakar Garba 75′).
UNUSED SUBS: Mohammed Galadima, Kabir Balogun, Chigoziem Salomon, Habibu Alakija.
CREDIT: Eche Amos(Fellow, CBS), Director of Media, Nasarawa United FC.