It took a controversial goal for Nassarawa United to defeat Lobi Stars of Makurdi by 2 – 1 in today’s match day 18 encounter in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
The match was played at the home of Lobi stars, the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi which also serves temporarily as home turf for Nassarawa.
The Solid Miners took an early lead in the third minute when player of the month contender, Igbinoba Esosa scored from a free kick.
Lobi’s Toni Okpotu, however leveled proceedings before the break when he slotted home from close range.
The teams were evenly matched in the second half before the referee awarded a controversial penalty for an alleged handball in the 60th minute.
After a rowdy few minutes, the penalty was saved but a goalmouth scrambled ensued and the ball richocheted off a Nassarawa player who was clearly offside, into the net.
The match never enjoyed a smooth running as match official and security personnel struggled to contain fans who were enraged by the performance of the centre referee and his assistants. It would later take no less than 50 policemen to escort the match officials out of the pitch into the dugout after the final whistle.
It ended 2-1 in favour the ‘home’ team Nassarawa United.
Lobi Stars will look to put today’s disappointment behind as they next entertain Rivers United on Sunday.
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