Nasarawa United’s six match unbeaten streak was punctured by a rebounding Plateau United at the new Jos stadium on Friday.
Mohammed Zulkifilu’s glancing header from skipper Amos Gyang lob in the 35th minute left keeper Danlami Abdullahi rooted to the spot for the lone goal of the game and ensure the former champions move up on the table.
Nasarawa proved its league leadership stuff with dominance in the early stages of the game as Chinedu Ohanachom was a thorn on the Plateau defence, crafting his way with deft touches aided by Silas Nwankwo. But it would seem the duo of Andrew Ikefe and Ibrahim Abubakar were up to the task of warding off those dangerous threats at the hosts goal.
Plateau’s dominance in the middle was evident through Oche Ochowechi’s split passes made more worrisome on the opponents by Amos Gyang’s dribbling runs on the wings. This left the duo of Abba Umar and Mohammed Zulkifilu to run in on the Nasarawa defence led by Tebo Franklin. Goalkeeper Danlami Umar was severally forced to making some daring saves.
Nasarawa United Coach Bala Nkiyu at the end expressed confident that the loss will not deter the team’s ambition in the ongoing season.
“Though we have been enjoying the unbeaten run until now which of course is inevitable, this will not affect our resolve to give our best in the renaming matches to maintain our leadership position”, the Coach declared.
With the victory Plateau moved to 5th position on the log with eleven points, and Coach Abdu Maikaba considered the outcome as heart warming.
“I am impressed with today’s victory which has moved us further up on the table. We will continue to give our best to secure an away victory to consolidate our position”, Maikaba stated.
Plateau United will be on the road in their next two matches as they confront Warri Wolves and Enyimba in their two consecutive away fixtures.