2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 23: Nasarawa United fails El-Kanemi Warriors' test

Posted : 10 February 2025

In a thrilling Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 23 encounter, Nasarawa United fell agonizingly short, losing 1-0 on the road to El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Despite delivering a stellar performance, the Solid Miners were unable to capitalize on their dominance, succumbing to a solitary 27th-minute goal by Al-Amin Umar.

From the outset, United asserted their authority, dictating the tempo and creating numerous scoring opportunities.

The midfield trio of Abubakar Aliyu, Shina Kumater, and Moyi Hassan controlled the pace, supplying the attackers with an abundance of chances, while the frontline, led by Idris Ajiya, Anas Yusuf, and Garba Abubakar, posed a constant threat, testing the El-Kanemi goalkeeper on multiple occasions.

However, a combination of profligacy and inspired goalkeeping denied the Solid Miners an opener.

Against the run of play, the home side seized the initiative, scoring the decisive goal in the 27th minute.

A swift counter-attack culminated in El-Kanemi's Al-Amin Umar firing a low shot past United's goalkeeper, Mohammed Galadima, shifting the momentum.

Despite the early setback, the visitors continued to push for an equalizer, only to be thwarted by the hosts' resolute defense.

Abubakar Aliyu's set-piece effort was spectacularly saved by the fingertips of the El-Kanemi goalkeeper just before the break.

Before halftime, United thought they had won a penalty when Idris Ajiya was brought down inside the box, but the referee ruled otherwise, awarding a goal kick to the hosts instead.

The visitors' valiant efforts ultimately proved futile, as El-Kanemi Warriors held on to secure a hard-fought victory.

The narrow defeat leaves United in 18th position on the league table with 22 points, while El-Kanemi tentatively moves up to 4th place with 35 points, having played one game less.

The Solid Miners will host Ikorodu City in their next game at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 4 p.m.

In his post-match reaction, Nasarawa United FC head coach Kabir Dogo expressed his disappointment with the defeat.

"We are gutted to lose today, but we can't fault our effort.

"I am incredibly proud of the team's display. We dominated the game, created numerous chances, and deserved more.

"Sometimes, football can be cruel, but we will take the positives, regroup, analyze our performance, and come back stronger in our next game against Ikorodu City at our home ground."

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 23: Nasarawa United fails El-Kanemi Warriors' test

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