Nasarawa United suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat away to Remo Stars in a dramatic Nigeria Premier Football League clash on Sunday evening at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The Solid Miners showed resilience for most of the match despite playing with ten men, but a late strike condemned them to defeat in the match-day 30 encounter.
Nasarawa United show resilience despite red card setback
Nasarawa United’s challenge became tougher in the 38th minute when attacker Umar Ada received a second yellow card, leaving the visitors to continue the contest with ten men.
Remo Stars eventually broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute when Stanley Joseph capitalised on a loose ball after goalkeeper Darlintin Ovunda failed to properly claim a corner.
Despite the disadvantage, Nasarawa United kept pushing and found an equaliser in the 83rd minute through teenage substitute Suleiman Dauda.
The youngster marked his first league goal since making his debut in the second half of the campaign, briefly restoring hope for the visitors.
However, heartbreak followed late in the game. Former Solid Miners player Michael Ibeh struck in the 89th minute to seal a 2–1 win for Remo Stars.
Nasarawa United boss looks ahead to Rivers United clash
After the match, Nasarawa United head coach Mangut Mbwas praised his players for their effort and determination despite the difficult circumstances.
“I am not really disappointed because we played almost the entire game with a man down after a first-half red card to our attacker, pulled a leveller, before conceding defeat at the stroke of regulation time.
“I give credit to my boys for their bravery and resilience,” he said.
Despite the defeat, Nasarawa United remain third in the Nigeria Premier Football League standings with 47 points, still well ahead of Remo Stars, who sit near the bottom of the table.
Nasarawa United will now turn their attention to their next league fixture at home against league leaders Rivers United as they continue their push for a strong finish this season.
“We have our next game against top-of-the-table Rivers United next weekend at our home ground. We hope to recover from today’s defeat in our next game in Lafia.
“We will continue to fight hard to finish the league among the first two teams – all hope isn’t lost yet as the table is still open with eight more matches left to end the current campaign,” Mangut Mbwas concluded.