The Lafia City Stadium roared in ecstacy on Sunday evening as Nasarawa United produced a stunning second-half masterclass to overturn a first-half deficit to see off arch-rivals, Plateau United, 3-1, in a Matchday 12 fixture in the EUROMATCHNPFL with Alao Dabani starring.
The Peace Boys as Plateau United are nicknamed, had silenced the home crowd with an 11th minute opener courtesy of Nenrot Silas, taking a 0-1 lead into the break and threatening to spoil the party for the hosts.
However, Nasarawa United head coach Mbwas Mangut’s tactical ingenuity came to the fore. After the introductions of fresh legs, it was former Plateau United marksman, Dabani, who had barely spent a minute in the field, who proved to be the game changer.
Buoyed by the desire of facing his former employers, Dabani announced himself in grand style, firing home the equalizer in the 63rd minute after a Hassan Moyi’s deflected effort found him, before doubling the advantage just four minutes later with a sumptuous finish in the 67th minute to send the stands into frenzy.
On 77 minutes, things got worse for Plateau United as Sabbath Mancha was sent off following a second booking.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Jos-based side kept pushing desperately for an equalizer, the irrepressible Jofrank Joshua Istifanus put the game beyond their reach in the 87th minute with a moment of sheer brilliance, a classic strike from another Moyi’s assist that sealed maximum points for the Solid Miners.
Sunday’s victory further cements Nasarawa United’s dominance over their North-central rivals, extending their unbeaten run to three wins and one draw in the last four meetings across all competitions.
The win propels the Solid Miners to third position on the NPFL log with 20 points, intensifying their title charge while Plateau United occupy eighth place with four points less.
It was also a landmark day for rock-solid central defender, Harrison Ebah, who made his 100th league appearance, after featuring 88 times for his former club, Plateau United, and twelve for Nasarawa United in the current campaign.
Attention now shifts to next weekend as the Solid Miners travel away to face Katsina United and Plateau United will hosts to Kun Khalifat FC.