Nasarawa United FC of Lafia on Thursday defeated visiting Ikorodu United FC of Lagos 2-0 to claim their first win of the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
Two first half goals by Ishaya Anyu in the 21st minute and Abdulrahman Bashir in the 42nd minute gave the Solid Miners their first win of the season, even if the performance was not as bright as the scoreline showed.
The match started with both sides probing for the first chance but it was Nasarawa United that showed intent of claiming the full points when they had a penalty appeal turned down by referee Isiyaku Indabawa in the 11th minute. Few minutes later Abdulrahman Bashir threw away a golden chance following good work by Thomas Zenke.
Three minutes later the home side made their pressure count as Zenke whipped in a diagonal cross which evaded everyone except Anyu, who nodded home. Harrison Egbune failed to equalize for the Lagosians when he could not get the ball past displaced Nasarawa United goalkeeper, Paul Danjuma, but Bashir took the game beyond Ikorodu United with the second goal three minutes to the end of first half.
The visitors came out fighting in the second half but it was too little, too late as the Solid Miners held firm for the vital win.
Nasarawa United coach, Kabiru Dogo, said their focus is now on the league after failing to progress in the CAF Confederation Cup.
"We thank God for our first victory. We have been playing well but not scoring; we intend to build on this victory to win our next games. Our focus was on the continental matches now that we are out we can concentrate on the league," he said.
Ikorodu United coach, Sam Okpodu, believes his team were poor in the first half. He acknowledged that they need to start winning matches, starting with their next game against Rivers United at home this Sunday.
"We gifted them two goals and failed to take our chances, but our performance improved in the second half. We need to win our next match and the boys are telling themselves that which is good for the team," said Okpodu
One of the goalscorers for Nasarawa United, Anyu, feels scoring twice in their win over Ikorodu United will bring back their confidence.
"The goals will bring back our confidence and the goals will start coming. We believe the team's confidence and performance will improve in the next three to four matches we should be up in the table," Anyu remarked.
Match details
Nasarawa United: 1 Paul Danjuma, 2 Olayinka Onaolapo, 3 Emma Makama, 13 Eugene Obi, 6 Abdulbasit Shittu, 18 Gbadebo Samson, 19 Abdulrahman Bashir (8 Esosa Igbinoba), 9 Bature Yaro (26 Ilo Malachy) 20 Shammah Tanze, 10 Ishaya Anyu, 7 Thomas Zenke (11 Azango Phillip)
Unused substitutes: 12 Danlami Umar, 16 Manga Mohammed, 14 Amos James
Coach: Kabiru Dogo
Ikorodu United: 24. Adamu Azeez 6. Monsuru Rafiu 4. Mba Obinna 13. Onajite Tuomeru (12. Michael Adenodi), 5. Kabiru Moshood 15. Francis Nnedum (14. Azu Chile), 7. Kabiru Balogun 22. Onuwa Ebeye 9. Harrison Egbune 23. Junior Merenini (28. Ojukwu Ifegwu), 11. Moses Ebiye
Unused substitutes: 26. Segun Fatunwase 25. Warila Akpofasha 2. Fatai Abdullahi 8. Onyekachi Nwaiwu
Coach: Sam Okpodu
Man of the match: Thomas Zenke
Match Statistics
Nasarawa United FC: Shots (shots on target) 8 (4), corners 4, fouls 16, freekicks 11, throws 12, offsides 2, saves 1, yellow cards 3, red cards 0, penalties 0
Nasarawa United FC: Shots (shots on target) 8 (4), corners 4, fouls 16, freekicks 11, throws 12, offsides 2, saves 1, yellow cards 3, red cards 0, penalties 0
Ikorodu United FC: Shots (shots on target) 13 (5), corners 4, fouls 9, freekicks 18, throws 15, offsides 0, saves 2, yellow cards 0, red cards 0, penalties 0
