A late strike from Tayo Fabiyi settled the keenly contested match in Uyo.
Nasarawa United were the first to threaten the People’s Elephants with Abdulrahman Bashir failing to punish the ball watching Enyimba defenders as he failed to convert Fabiyi’s cross field pass.
Enyimba improved as the half progressed, and came close to taking the lead when Dare Ojo saw his 31-metre screamer brilliantly saved by Danlami Umar.
Esosa Igbinoba then floated a penetrating pass to Ifeanyi Nweke. The full back crossed to Fabiyi who flicked to the path of Thomas Zenke and the former Enyimba striker missed a sitter.
Enyimba recovered from their opponents’ missed opportunities, and could have taken a first-half lead when Stephen Chukwude went close with his volley.
The two-time CAF Champions League winners’ best chance of the first half came on the stroke of half time when Christian Pyagbara was picked out in a good position by Mfon, but the striker dragged his effort wide.
On resumption, skipper of the Solid Miners Emmanuel Makama got on the end of Bashir’s delivery. His effort almost resulted in the first goal of the match.
In the space of four minutes the game burst to life as the two sides scored one goal apiece.
A penalty kick was awarded to Nasarawa United after 59 minutes.
A sweet pass from Ifeanyi Nweke was laid to Fabiyi, the striker tried to score but he was brought down by Ifeanyi Anaemena in the box. The former Giwa FC centre-back was sent off by the match referee.
Seun Sogbeso sent Moses Ocheje the wrong way with his spot-kick.
Enyimba instantly replied despite playing one man short.
Talented winger Joseph Osadiaye whipped a fantastic free kick to the path of Pyagbara who placed his effort beyond Danlami for the equaliser.
Nasarawa United tried to capitalise on the numerical advantage with their box to box approach.
The Solid Miners were rewarded for their hardwork one minute from time.
Abdulbasit sent a cross to the box and Ichull dummied the ball to Fabiyi who fired home an unstoppable drive beyond Ocheje.
In the dying moments of the highly entertaining game, Enyimba almost equalised.
Substitute Etor Daniel launched a well planned delivery to the box, Fabiyi cleared on the goal line. Onyekachi Peter tried to poke home but Sogbeso threw himself to the ball and blocked.
How They Lined Up
Enyimba FC Starters: Moses Ocheje, Joe Maamo, Ugwu Uwuadiegwu, Emmanuel Anyanwu, Ifeanyi Anaemena, Dare Ojo, Olufemi Oladapo, Mfon Udoh, Chukwude Stephen, Christian Pyagbara, Joseph Osadiaye
Reserves: Joshua Enaholo, Chinedu Udoji, ThankGod Ike, John Uche, Etor Daniel, Nzube Anaezemba, Kelly Kester, Musa Najere, Peter Onyekachi, Idris Aloma, Andrew Abalogu
Nasarawa United Starters: Danlami Umar, Nweke Ifeanyi, Makama Emmanuel, Obi Eugene, Abdulbasit Shittu, Seun Sogbeso, Ichull Lordson, Esosa Igbinoba, Tayo Fabiyi, Zenke Thomas, Abdulrahman Bashir
Reserves: Suraj Ayeleso, Amos James, Manga Mohammed, Olayinka Onaolapo, Douglas Achiv, Malachy Iloh, Shammah Tanze, Aminu Abdulkadir, Azango Philip, Anyu Ishaya, Gbadebo Samson
Credits: Futball Galore.
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