In a pulsating preseason encounter, Nasarawa United secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 4th Gusau/Ahlan Cup Preseason Football Tournament with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Wikki Tourists FC. The captivating Group A match, held at the Lafia City Stadium on Tuesday evening, saw the “Solid Miners” claim their second consecutive win of the competition.
Nasarawa United took the lead in the 31st minute when central defender Utake Emmanuel calmly converted a penalty after Joe Frank was fouled in the box. However, Wikki Tourists responded swiftly, with Nickson Ironsi leveling the score just six minutes later. The home side regained the advantage a minute before halftime, as Joe Frank, who had won the penalty earlier, slotted the ball past goalkeeper Utum Godswill.
The second half began with Wikki Tourists once again demonstrating resilience, as Salisu Abdullahi equalized in the 58th minute. The deadlock was finally broken by Nasarawa United’s defensive midfielder, Chidera Nduka, whose spectacular strike from a difficult angle soared over the goalkeeper to secure the winning goal. The score remained 3-2 until the final whistle, sealing the victory for Nasarawa United.
The win puts Nasarawa United at the top of Group A with six points from two games, boasting a six-goal advantage. Utake Emmanuel‘s outstanding performance earned him the Man-of-the-Match award. Wikki Tourists currently sit in third place with three points.
Nasarawa United will aim to maintain their perfect record in their final group stage match on Thursday against Benedict Akwuegbu FC, who also have three points, as they prepare for the knockout stages.
