Two heroic penalty saves by goalkeeper, Ameh Godwin, ensured Nasarawa United are through to the final of the Abuja Unity Cup Pre-season Tournament.
After regulation time ended 1-1 apiece in the nervy all NPFL -Clubs Semi-Final clash at the Area 3 Football Pitch, Garki, Abuja, with right full-back, Abubakar Abdullahi scoring an early goal(7th minute) for the Solid Miners, Nasiru Sani, drew Katsina United level in the 79th minute from the spot following a foul by Ekerete Udom in the area.
Both teams tried all they could, but to no effect, to change the scoreline.
The final whistle sounded, and both teams headed straight into penalty shootout, with Nasarawa United winning 6-5, thereby booking a place in the final on Sunday, 7th November, 2021, by 3pm at the Area 3 Football Pitch.
The Solid Miners will face neighbouring Plateau United who defeated Wikki Tourists of Bauchi 2-1 in the other semi-final game at the same venue.
CAUTION
(Yellow 🟨Card):
Ifeanyi Ejeh(NAS)36′
Mansur Aliyu (KAT)55′
POST-MATCH REACTIONS:
ASST. COACH STEPHEN MOGA(NAS): “We feel great about today’s result, and so does the entire team.
“It’s a nervy game that required penalty shootout to determine the eventual winners, and we are glad we were the lucky side at the end of the day.
“We await anyone who comes to play us in the final, and our aim is not just about winning the tourney but to use it as a preparatory ground to access our players ahead of the forthcoming NPFL Season.”
COACH MUHAMMAD AZEEZ(KAT): “The game of penalty shootout can go anywhere.
“We had a lot of chances but failed to utilize them.
“But I’m happy that the boys did well in the game, and with the progress of my boys in the preseason, all we have to do now is to correct our mistakes before the NPFL Season starts proper.
“Nasarawa United are a very good side and they gave us a very tough match today.
“Though this is a preseason tourney, we accept the defeat and move on.”
AMEH GODWIN(GK/NAS): “I thank God for everything. Before I left our hotel accommodation, I told God to give us victory today, and I am happy He answered my prayer.
“I had some great saves, including two penalty kicks, which helped my team to pick the final ticket.
“I pray we win the final as well.”
CHIDERA NDUKA(NAS): “I feel good that we won today.
“Actually, I was feeling scared before I took the final kick, but I later encouraged myself to take the huge responsibility and hope of my team on my shoulders.
“It’s a derby match, and we knew what was at stake, but my expectations that we would emerge victorious came to fruition, and we give all glory to God.”
NASARAWA UNITED LINE-UP: Ameh Godwin(Gk), Abubakar Abdullahi(Osas Okoro 87′), Ekerete Udom, Victor Collins, Paul Odeh, Aliyu Abdullahi(Paul Funom 87′), Ifeanyi Ejeh(Chidera Nduka 40′), Dauda Maigishiri(Michael Tochukwu 88′), Ikenna Offor(Kenneth Amia 40′), David Ehiaghe(Ajibola Otegbeye 65′) Alaekwe Chijioke(Israel Emmanuel 65′).
UNUSED SUBS:Danlami Umar(Gk), Ugochukwu Gabriel, Ini Edem Ubon, Bassey Bassey.
