2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 3: Nasarawa United FC succumb to El-Kanemi in 7 goals thriller

Posted : 22 September 2024

The Solid Miners had a Saturday to forget in a hurry after letting their early 2-0 lead slip away as they lost to El-Kanemi Warriors for the first time at the Lafia City Stadium in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 3.

Anas Yusuf put the hosts 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 dangerous winger made it 2-0 for the Solid Miners six minutes later with a well-placed finish.

However, the lead lasted only seven minutes, as the visitors reduced the deficit through Nasiru Salihu, who capitalized on a defensive lapse inside the box.

Salihu equalized in the 32nd minute, seizing another defensive error to make it 2-2.

Amin Umar ensured El-Kanemi went into the break with the lead, scoring their third goal, leaving the score at 2-3 by halftime.

Anas Yusuf restored parity for the Solid Miners in the 67th minute, slotting home Adamu Hassan's left-footed cross to complete his hat-trick, becoming the first player to score three goals in a match this season and marking his fourth goal in three games.

However, the hosts were undone again when the Maiduguri-based side were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute.

Bright Etaghara stepped up to convert the spot-kick, securing a 4-3 victory for the visitors, marking their first win against United in Lafia.

The result leaves Nasarawa United in 12th position with two points, while El-Kanemi, who have a game in hand, moved up to 4th with four points.

Nasarawa United will travel to Lagos to face Ikorodu City FC in their next game on Saturday, 28th September 2024, at 4 p.m.

The Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United FC, Kabiru Dogo, lamented his team's lack of cutting edge.

"It's not what we planned for today, especially considering our recent results, both home and away. But this is football; you can't predict what will happen next.

"We accept the defeat, but we will certainly bounce back.

"I congratulate El-Kanemi Warriors on their win today. Tomorrow could be our turn to win away.

"We take responsibility for the defeat and will turn things around.

"The boys are showing character and improvement with every game. With time, I believe we will get things right.

"I want to plead with our loyal supporters and fans to never give up on us. We will come back stronger and better.

"In our next game against Ikorodu City in Lagos, we can get a win there. Don't judge our performance based on today's result; we are still a work in progress."

El-Kanemi Warriors' Technical Adviser, Aliyu Zubair, described the result as positive.

"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."

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 3: Nasarawa United FC succumb to El-Kanemi in 7 goals thriller

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