By Amaechi Agbo

Nasarawa United coach, Bala Nikyu has declared that there is nothing wrong with the team after to lost three consecutive matches in the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL.

Nasarawa United lost 2-0 away to Rivers United in Port Harcourt on Monday . Prior to the defeat, the Solid Miners had lost to Enyimba FC and Plateau United.

But Coach Bala Nikyu has stated that despite the poor run of form, there is nothing wrong with the team.

“Any time you lose, it’s for you to go and put yourself together and identify where the mistakes came from.

“Losing three matches in a row, I think nothing is wrong with the team. It’s only part of the game, but I want to assure you that we will spring back,” Nikyu said during post-match conference in Port Harcourt.

It was not a good monday afternoon for Nasarawa United as they lost their third consecutive league match of the campaign, falling 0-2 to hosts, Rivers United at the Adokiye Amasieamaka Stadium, in Rivers State,

The Solid Miners who had gone into the game with the expectations to prove a point following two earlier defeats to Plateau United in Jos and Enyimba in Lafia, almost opened scoring as early as in the 6th minute when Ikenna Ofor released Silas Nwankwo with only the goalkeeper, Theophilus Afelokhai, to beat but his final touch went off target.

A minute later, the Lafia-side were caught napping as Malachi Ohawume put the hosts in the lead with a headed goal from Fortune Omoniwari’s cross.

Adamu Hassan’s threatening combination with Silas Nwankwo upfront could not produce any respite as the first-half whistle sounded.

Upon resumption, Silas Nwankwo sent a lofty pass to Adamu Hassan inside the box only for the latter’s intention to be well read by the Rivers’ defence.

Godwin Aguda called Danlami Umar, in goal for Nasarawa United, into action with a thunderous shot from distance, but the goalkeeper did well to punch it out of the intended direction.

Rivers United would increase their tally in the 73rd minute through substitute, Esor Nelson after he guided home Bamba Bakary’s free-kick.

The Solid Miners came closest to reducing the deficit when Barnabas Imenger found Silas Nwankwo with a delightful pass but the energetic attacker could only send it over the bar.

2-0 it ended as Nasarawa United slumped to 8th position in the Nigeria Professional Football League table, four points off 2nd-placed Rivers United and seven behind
leaders, Enyimba International.

After Akwa United’s visit on Valentine’s Day(Sunday), Coach Bala Nikyu’s men travel to Jigawa Golden Stars a week later, before a midweek home game against visiting FC Ifeanyi Ubah. They will wrap-up the month with a long trip to Lagos to play MFM FC on 28th February.