Nasarawa United suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Kwara United in a tense NPFL matchday 31 clash at the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin, on Wednesday. Despite the loss, the Solid Miners remain 16th on the table with 36 points.
The game’s major turning point came in the 66th minute when Nasarawa United’s defender, Utake Emmanuel, received a second yellow card, reducing his team to ten men. The setback made it difficult for the visitors to recover against their North Central rivals.
Just minutes later, disaster struck again for Nasarawa United. Defender Emeka Onyema, in an attempt to clear a dangerous ball, inadvertently turned it into his own net in the 64th minute, handing Kwara United the decisive goal.
Despite the unfortunate own goal and playing a man down, Nasarawa United held their ground, preventing the Harmony Boys from extending their lead. However, the damage was already done, and Kwara United secured all three points.
Speaking after the game, Nasarawa United head coach Salisu Yusuf acknowledged his team's effort, stating that they had played well despite the loss. He pointed out that a lack of concentration led to the own goal but praised his players for their determination.
“This is my first loss since taking charge of the team. The players gave a good account of themselves. We only lost focus at a crucial moment. However, we will take the positives and prepare for our next games,” Yusuf said.
Meanwhile, Kwara United coach Tunde Sanni admitted his side did not play their best football but was relieved to secure the victory. “We missed several scoring chances, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is getting the three points,” he stated.
The defeat does not change Nasarawa United’s league position, but the team now faces a crucial run of fixtures. They will play two consecutive home games at the Lafia City Stadium, starting with Akwa United on April 6, followed by Plateau United on April 13.
Before returning to league action, the Solid Miners will shift focus to the 2025 President Federation’s Cup. They are set to face Ijele FC of Enugu in the round of 32 at the Prince Abubakar Audu University Stadium, Anyigba, Kogi State, on April 2.
Nasarawa United will be hoping to bounce back quickly, especially with their survival in the NPFL at stake. The team’s performance in the upcoming home games could prove decisive in their fight to remain in the top flight.
Despite the setback against Kwara United, Coach Yusuf remains optimistic about his squad’s potential. He emphasized that the team is still adapting under his leadership and believes they can turn things around.
With just a few games left in the season, Nasarawa United must capitalize on their home advantage and avoid further mistakes if they want to secure their NPFL status for another year.
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