Match Report: Nasarawa United vs Shooting Stars SC

MATCH REPORT

Nasarawa United 1–0 Shooting Stars SC

A Narrow Defeat in Lafia

We fell to a slim 1–0 defeat against Nasarawa United in our NPFL Matchday 16 fixture at the Lafia City Stadium. Despite controlling long stretches of the game and creating clear chances, a second-half goal separated both sides at full time.

High-Tempo Opening

Both teams started brightly. Nasarawa pressed aggressively, while we settled into our structure, using Tunde Azeez and Kabir Tijani to dictate the flow from midfield.

Our first chance arrived in the 9th minute when Ayodele Ismail broke into the box but shot wide. Ayobami Junior later slipped Qamar through in the 12th minute, but the offside flag ended the move. Qamar saw another effort blocked in the 19th minute as we continued to push forward.

Close Calls Before the Break

In the 27th minute, Tijani picked up a knock but continued. Moments later, Qamar forced a sharp save from the Nasarawa goalkeeper.

Our biggest opportunity of the half came in the 34th minute when Awosanmi Promise beat the goalkeeper, only for a recovering defender to clear off the line. Azeez made an important clearance two minutes later to keep the score level.

Qamar had another attempt in added time, but his low strike was saved, sending both sides into the break goalless despite our strong attacking showing.

Second-Half Shift

The second half opened with a fierce midfield battle. Nasarawa, backed by their home fans, pushed higher and targeted spaces behind our defence.

Their pressure told in the 65th minute when a moment of hesitation inside our box allowed the hosts to convert what became the winning goal.

Chasing the Equaliser

Coach Nurudeen Aweroro reacted quickly, bringing on Adams Mustapha for Ismail, followed by Sodiq Ibrahim and Austin Onyemeachi for Promise and Qamar.
Later, Jonah James Eni replaced Azeez to inject more energy as we pushed for a response.

We pressed hard in the final minutes, recovering possession high up and creating moments of danger, but Nasarawa’s defence stayed compact and denied us the equaliser.

Focus Turns to the Next Challenge

It was a frustrating result, especially considering the chances created and our overall performance. However, the team remains focused and determined to bounce back.

We now shift attention to our next NPFL outing against Barau FC in Kano as we look to respond strongly and return to winning ways.