Nasarawa United Dethrone Gusau/ahlan Pre-season Tournament’s Defending Champions, Lobi, To Secure Semi-Finals Spot
By: Eche Amos
In a heart-stopping North Central Zonal derby clash that will be etched in the memories of football fans at the Lafia City Stadium for a long time, Nasarawa United pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over defending champions, Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi, to book their ticket to the Semi-Finals of the annual Gusau/Ahlan Cup Preseason Football Tournament on Sunday afternoon.
The match was a masterclass in tactical football, with both teams who were meeting for the 4th time in less than a year, creating scoring opportunities, but it was substitute, Ajibade Olawale, who broke the deadlock for the Solid Miners in the 72nd minute, brilliantly pouncing on a rebound that sent the home fans into jubilant mood.
The lone goal proved to be the difference-maker as the Coach Mangut Mbwas-tutored Nasarawa United defence held firm against the relentless attacks from the defending champions, earning them a well-deserved win, avenging their loss to same opposition at the last edition of the tournament held in 2024 in Jos, Plateau State.
Abiodun Omolaoye was voted Player-Of-The-Match by Organizers of the tournament for his stellar performance for the Solid Miners.
Nasarawa United will look to continue with their impressive form in the Semi-Final, where they await the winners between local rivals, FC Basira, versus north central zonal rivals, Plateau United, on Wednesday, 13th August, 2025, at same venue.
CAUTION (YELLOW CARD):
Kabir Mohammed (LOB)33′
Utake Emmanuel(NAS)38′
NASARAWA UNITED LINE: Ameh Godwin, Aminu Abubakar(Abubakar Abdullahi 65′), Mubarak Hussaini, Chidera Nduka(Gozie Umeh 90′), Benson Abbey, Utake Emmanuel, Joy Adejare, Salomon Chigoziem(Adah Umar 65′), Emmanuel Ofem, Abiodun Omolayo(Ojo Joshua 90′), Joe Frank(Benjamin Jack 73′).
