Nasarawa United climbed again to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Soccer League after a decisive 1–0 win over Taking pictures Stars, impressed by substitute Moyi Hassan in a rescheduled Matchday 16 tie on the Lafia Metropolis Stadium on Monday night.
Hassan, who changed the injured Chidera Nduka within the thirty fourth minute, turned the hero of the evening with a medical 66th-minute strike, which occurred to be his first purpose of the season.
After a tightly contested first half, the defensive midfielder pounced contained in the field and powered a low drive previous goalkeeper God’sGift Elkanah at hand the Strong Miners a vital victory that pushed them to 30 factors, two away from second-placed Ikorodu Metropolis.
Head coach Abubakar Arikya praised his workforce’s effort, saying the win was properly deserved.
“We’re grateful to God for as we speak’s win, which moved us to the highest of the desk. We performed higher and earned it, despite the fact that Taking pictures Stars gave us an actual struggle,” he stated, already shifting focus to subsequent weekend’s derby in opposition to Plateau United.
For Taking pictures Stars, the night fell wanting expectations. Coach Nurudeen Aweroro admitted disappointment however remained optimistic.
“It’s a disappointing outcome for us, however we’re grateful to God. Nasarawa United are aspect, and luck was on their aspect as we speak. We gained’t relent; we are going to regroup and push on,” he said.
There was no hiding the enjoyment on the face of match-winner Hassan, who described the second as particular. “I’m excited to attain the one purpose that gave my workforce the utmost factors. It’s my first of the season,” he stated. “We labored exhausting for this sport, and it feels nice to make our followers pleased. I hope to assist the workforce with extra targets — perhaps seven and even ten.”
Supported from the stands by high Nasarawa State officers and an energized residence crowd, the Strong Miners delivered a stable efficiency that reaffirmed their title credentials.
They now flip their consideration to a vital away fixture in opposition to neighbours Plateau United subsequent Sunday in Jos.
