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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Nasarawa United’s perfect home record in the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season came to an end on Sunday following a 1-1 draw against Kwara United at the Lafia City Stadium.
Last season’s top scorer, Anas Yusuf, gave the Solid Miners an early lead after capitalising on a defensive lapse, netting his third goal of the campaign. However, the visitors, known as the Harmony Boys, drew level in the 36th minute through Aule Johnmark to restore parity.
Despite dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities, Nasarawa United were unable to break down Kwara United’s disciplined defence. The result marked the first time the Lafia-based side dropped points at home this season, ending a run of five consecutive home victories.
The draw, however, leaves Nasarawa United at the top of the NPFL standings with 23 points from 12 matches. The Solid Miners will next travel to Owerri to face 15th-placed Kun Khalifat FC on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
During half-time, the Chairman of Nasarawa United FC, Solomon Babanjah, Technical Adviser, Mangut Mbwas, and first-choice goalkeeper, Ameh Godwin, were presented with awards of excellence by the Lafia Social Sport Club in recognition of their contributions to the team’s success. The awards were presented by the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu.
Speaking after the game, Nasarawa United’s Technical Adviser, Coach Mangut Mbwas, attributed the result to fixture congestion, noting that his team had played three matches in one week.
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“This really is not the result we had wanted. It’s painful to drop points in front of our supporters, particularly going by what we have done so far,” Mbwas said. “The players were exhausted. We have had a cluster of games in a short period away in Port Harcourt, Thursday in Lafia, and today again it’s taken its toll on the team because we didn’t have the same level of energy and intensity that we have shown in previous matches.
“However, that’s not an excuse. We must ensure the team remains competitive and be able to challenge for a top-three position. Our response to this result will be keenly anticipated by our supporters in the next game in Owerri,” he added.
Mbwas also praised Kwara United for their discipline and resilience, describing them as “a very difficult side to play against.”
On his part, Kwara United Coach, Suleiman Ashifat, lauded Nasarawa United’s quality and described the draw as a fair result. “It’s really a good game. Now I can see the reason why Nasarawa United are topping the table,” he said. “They deserve to be there because of their brand of football. It was a tough game today, but getting a point isn’t a bad result. Our next game is away to El-Kanemi Warriors, and today’s result is a good motivation for us.”
Cautions were issued to Utake Emmanuel, Ugochukwu Leonard, and Collins Onovughe of Nasarawa United, while Junior Aimafua, Alao Danbani, and another Kwara player were booked for the visitors.
