After previously going six matches unbeaten, Nasarawa United on Monday 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.

With Monday’s 2-0 defeat, Nasarawa United have dropped to 8th position in the NPFL table, four points off 2nd-placed Rivers United and seven behind leaders, Enyimba International.

After Matchday 9️⃣…

As things stand #NPFL21pic.twitter.com/ew5mbWd819

— League Management NG (@LMCNPFL) February 8, 2021

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.