Nasarawa United Advance To Gusau/Ahlan Preseason Tournament
By Rabiu Omaku, Lafia
Nasarawa United Football Club have advanced to the last eight of the 4th edition of the Gusau/Ahlan Cup Preseason Football Tournament taking place at the Lafia city Stadium despite playing out a 1-1 stalemate against stubborn Benedict Akwuegbu FC in the last Group A clash.
Thursday evening’s game saw the Solid Miners taking the lead from a rebound effort through a substitute Collins Onuvuke in the 33rd minute of the first-half.
However, Daniel Adoga’s rocket from close range saw Benedict Akwuegbu’s team drawing level, a scoreline that remained so until the interval.
Both sides made series of attempts on goal to alter the scoreline in the reversed half but to no avail.
United would have won the game but Benjamin Oloche’s close range header, shortly after his introduction in the closing stages, off a well-crafted cross into the box, agonisingly went inches off target.
1-1 was the full-time scoreline as both sides shared the spoils, with Nasarawa United emerging from their Group topping with seven points from three games, followed by fellow Nigeria Premier League side, Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi who have six points.
while Benedict Akwuegbu FC gallantly got eliminated with four points, alongside Si14 who recorded no points.
The Solid Miners will square up against next-door neighbours, Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi in the quarter-finals clash on Saturday at the Lafia City Stadium.
The Solid Miners will be seeking a revenge against Lobi after getting eliminated from the same tournament in the 3rd edition in Jos, Plateau State, during the knockout stages.