Nasarawa United FC suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 Nigeria National League [NNL] season on Saturday, December 10, 2023, vs Elkanemi Warriors.
The Solid Miners had an evening to forget after losing for the first time in four Nigeria National League matches this season following a 1-0 loss to El-Kanemi Warriors FC at the El-Kanemi Stadium, Maiduguri, Borno State, on Saturday.
In a game by two promotion chasing teams, clustered with so much tension and physicality, United held the hosts to a goalless score in the first half..
The visitors were, however, undone in the 68th minute through a strike from Mukhtar Mohammed who pounced on a slack defending.
Ham Danjuma almost drew United level but was unable to beat the El-Kanemi goalkeeper, Abine George, on successive attempts.
Despite the outcome of Saturday’s game, Nasarawa Unied still remain top of Group C table with seven points, followed by El-Kanemi, who share the same points and three goal advantage.
The weekend’s result was the first goal conceded by the Solid Miners since the beginning of the 2023/24 NNL campaign.
Nasarawa United FC will host Yobe Desert Stars FC in a week five clash on Saturday, 16th December, 2023, at the Lafia City Stadium, by 4pm.
In his post-match reaction, Coach Usman Adams who is only experiencing his first defeat since taking over as Technical Adviser of the Solid Miners before the start of the new season said, “My boys gave everything and desired earnestly to go back home with something positive but it wasn’t to be.
“I am proud of them and we are very optimistic that this temporary setback won’t affect our mission in the league.
“We will surely get back to the path of success again.” he said.
Nasarawa United FC are pushing for promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League, following their unfortunate relegation at the end of the 2022/23 season.