Nasarawa United moved two points within leaders Akwa United, thanks to a 3-1 victory against Jigawa Golden Stars on Monday.
The Solid Miners welcomed the strugglers to the Lafia township Stadium for the NPFL week 31 fixture.
Silas Nwankwo had the first chance of the game inside the opening 1 minute after dispossessing Jigawa Golden Stars defender Papa Idris, but goalkeeper Victor Sochima makes himself big to deny the striker from close range.
In the 11th minute, Silas Nwankwo again missed another big chance after receiving a pass from Chigozie Obasi’s in 18 yard box, the striker placed his effort wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Jigawa Golden Stars’ first real chance came in the 17th minute, Dogara Peter skipped past two defenders, before unleashing a powerful drive, but it was well dealt with by Galadima Mohammed in goal for Nasarawa United.
The deadlock was finally broke in 19th minutes – Nasarawa United got lucky after the Jigawa keeper Victor Sochima spilled Chigozie Obasi’s long range free kick and allowed Silas Nwankwo to turn home the rebound.
Silas Nwankwo doubled his side’s advantage with his second of the game in the 31st minute, thanks to an assist from Adamu Hassan.
Stone almost halved the deficit three minutes later when he found space to set up Lala. Nasarawa United keeper Galadima was at the right place to deny the striker from close range.
Adamu Hassan made it 3-0 to Nasarawa United in the 59th minute when he drilled a low shot past the goalkeeper. The goal was assisted by Michael Tochukwu.
Jigawa Golden Stars continued to press and they almost got reward for their positive attitude in the 66th minutes, only for Galadima to make a double save from Olasunkanmi Quadiri from close range in quick succession.
The visitors finally pulled a goal back with five minutes left to play. Akwa United defender Ebuka Anaekwe was penalized for a foul on Samuel Stone in the penalty area and the striker converted the kick.
The game ended 3-1 and Nasarawa United returned to second position on the log with 55 points, while Jigawa Golden Stars remain in the relegation zone with 33 points.
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