Thomas Adeshina’s early strike was canceled by Mfon Udoh spot-kick on the 40th minute before Akpan Etboy strike in the added minutes of the first half made sure the home side secured a hard-earned victory against the Solid miners.
The good people of Uyo were served with a beautiful display of football artistry at the Godswill Akpabio International as table toppers Akwa United hosted 4th placed Nasarawa United.
Nasarawa United showed intent right from the blast of the whistle as the trio of Thomas Adeshina, Sunusi Ibrahim and Anas Yusuf attacked from all angle and not long the pressure paid as Thomas Adeshina benefitted from Efala’s howler to nod home the opener in the 14th minute to the day of dismay of the home supporters as Nasarawa United gained an early lead.
Akwa United after conceded threw everything into the game as they dominated play with Cyril Olisema dictating the pace of the game with his passing abilities.
On 32nd minutes Galadima Mohammed in goal for Nasarawa United had to come out of his line to clear twice from Fernando and Mfon Udoh in quick succession as Nasarawa United held on.
Akwa United finally got their break after referee controversially pointed to spot when Abdullahi Abubakar blocked Effiong Ediefrike’s header as the Nasarawa United players protested his decision.
Mfon Udoh stepped up to send Galadima Mohammed the wrong way as he levels the scores for the home side.
And on the stroke of half time Akwa United led for the first time in the game as Effiong Ediefrike’s freekick rattled the bar and the ball fell favorably to Akpan Etboy who made no mistake from 5 yards as Akwa United headed into the dressing room with a slender lead.
On resumption, Thomas Adeshina twice came close but his efforts couldn’t beat Efala in goal for the home side.
Nasarawa United remain 4th on the group B table of the NPFL with 25 points from 17 games and will next play host to Kano Pillars at the Lafia City Stadium as the search for the NPFL super 6 slot continues.
