Nasarawa United’s tactical brilliance was on full display on Sunday as they thwarted Enyimba’s attacking endeavors, frustrating them with a disciplined defensive performance that ultimately yielded a goalless draw in Aba
The People’s Elephant roared but failed to strike as their visitors’ smart play and organized structure nullified all their threats leaving them stumbled to a frustrating goalless draw.
The result left head coach Stanley Eguma ruing missed opportunities and a disallowed goal that he believed could have tilted the balance.
At the Enyimba International Stadium, althoug the nine-time NPFL champions dominated possession and dictated the tempo for large spells of the game, the poor finishing and a stubborn Nasarawa defense denied them maximum points.
“It’s not the result we expected or planned for, but that’s football,” a visibly disappointed Eguma said after the encounter. “We created the chances, we controlled the game, but we just couldn’t put the ball in the net. The one we managed to convert was chopped off for offside — for me, I feel it should have stood. It’s a big lesson for us, and we need to correct our poor marksmanship going forward.”
Enyimba’s brightest moment came midway through the first half when young forward Ezekiel Edidiong thought he had broken the deadlock, only for the referee’s assistant to raise the flag for offside, sparking heated protests from the home bench and stands.
The decision seemed to deflate the Elephants, who threw everything forward but lacked the clinical edge in front of goal.
Stand-in captain Afolayan Peters echoed his coach’s frustrations but remained defiant about bouncing back.
“We gave everything today but it just wasn’t our day in front of goal. It’s disappointing, but as a team we’ll channel this anger into our next game in Yenagoa. We owe the fans a response against Bayelsa United, and we will give it,” Peters declared.
For visiting coach Mangut Mbwas, it was mission accomplished. The Solid Miners executed their game plan with discipline, frustrating the hosts and snatching a valuable away point.
“We knew Enyimba would come out for the maximum points, so I told my boys to stay relaxed and force them into long balls. That was our plan — to soak pressure and counter when we could. Both teams gave a good account of themselves, but in the end, I think we worked hard for this point and deserved it,” Mbwas said.
The result leaves Eguma’s men still searching for consistency after their opening three games, while Nasarawa United will see the draw as a psychological victory against one of the league’s giants.
Enyimba now turn their focus to Matchday 4, where they face Bayelsa United in Yenagoa — a clash that already carries the weight of redemption for the People’s Elephant.
