In a pulsating encounter that delivered drama, goals, and top-tier football, Nasarawa United edged Wikki Tourists FC 3-2 in their second Group A match of the 4th Gusau/Ahlan Cup Preseason Football Tournament, held Tuesday evening at the Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa State.
The Solid Miners displayed resilience and flair to technically book a place in the quarter-finals, following up on their emphatic 5-0 victory over SI14 with another hard-fought win—this time against Nigeria Premier League returnees Wikki Tourists.
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The match burst into life in the 31st minute when defender Utake Emmanuel calmly slotted home from the penalty spot after Joe Frank was brought down inside the box. Wikki, however, responded swiftly through Nickson Ironsi, who equalized just six minutes later.
But the action was far from over. A minute before the break, Joe Frank turned scorer, nudging Nasarawa back in front with a composed finish past Wikki’s goalkeeper Utum Godswill, giving the home crowd more to cheer about as the teams headed into halftime.
The second half saw another equalizer, this time from Salisu Abdullahi, who brought Wikki Tourists back into the contest in the 58th minute with a tidy finish. However, Nasarawa’s match-winner came in spectacular fashion. Defensive midfielder Chidera Nduka unleashed a rocket from a tight angle in the 70th minute, stunning the Wikki defence and sealing all three points.
Despite late pressure, Nasarawa held firm until the final whistle. Utake Emmanuel was deservedly named Man of the Match for his commanding performance at the back and for converting the crucial opening goal.
The result leaves Nasarawa United sitting comfortably atop Group A with six points from two games and a +6 goal difference. Wikki Tourists, who had earlier defeated Benedict Akwuegbu FC, now sit third with three points.
Next Up: Nasarawa United face Benedict Akwuegbu FC—who are currently second in the group—on Thursday morning in their final group fixture, with the Solid Miners aiming to maintain momentum heading into the last eight.
Match Cautions:
Abbey Benson (NAS) – 19′
Salomon Chigoziem (NAS) – 49′
Abiodun Omolayo (NAS) – 65′
Nasarawa United Starting XI:
Ameh Godwin, Aminu Abubakar (Ikenna Stephen 79′), Mubarak Hussaini, Chidera Nduka (Felix Parikia 85′), Benson Abbey, Utake Emmanuel, Joe Frank (Joy Adejare 71′), Abiodun Omolayo (Habibu Alakija 71′), Umar Adah (Moses Ngbede 79′), Salomon Chigoziem (Timothy Sule 71′), Benjamin Jack (Eshimutu Gomina 56′).
Unused Subs: Joshua Oladeji, Izu Christian, Adamu Hassan, Isaiah Righteous
Coach: Stephen Moga
