2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 32: Nasarawa United FC brightens survival chances with win over Akwa

Posted : 07 April 2025

The Solid Miners bounced back from their 1-0 defeat at Kwara United in the last league match to secure a convincing 2-0 victory over former Nigeria Premier League champions, Akwa United, in the NPFL Match Day 32 fixture held at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday evening.

The win came as fans returned to the Lafia City Stadium for the first time in over five months, following provisional approval from the League's body after an appeal by the Solid Miners' management. This followed the purported mêlée that occurred between the home side's fans and Rivers United's accompanying officials on Match Day 18, December 22, 2024.

Centre forward Ugochukwu Leonard put the home side in the driver's seat just two minutes into the game with a composed finish from close range.

Garba Mohammed, Idris Ajiya, and Anas Yusuf all had their efforts on goal saved by Akwa United's goalkeeper, Jean Efala, leaving the scoreline in favor of United until the break.

Disaster struck for the visitors in the 59th minute when they were reduced to ten men after Endurance Ebedebiri received his second yellow card of the evening.

After some tactical changes in the second half, substitute Garba Abubakar secured the win for the Solid Miners in the 84th minute with a simple tap-in from inside the 18-yard box following a scramble in the goal area.

United carefully guarded the scoreline to secure an important win over the Uyo-based side.

The victory means the Solid Miners are back in contention to remain in the elite league, sitting 16th on the log with 39 points from 32 games. They will next host Plateau United on Match Day 33 on April 13, 2025.

Coach Kennedy Boboye's Akwa United, on the other hand, dropped into the relegation zone following today's defeat.

Impressed with the performance of the Solid Miners against Akwa United on Sunday, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, rewarded the team with the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00).

The elated Commissioner made the announcement shortly after the game at the Lafia City Stadium.

Recall that last Wednesday, the Commissioner had rewarded the team with Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N750,000.00), representing One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000.00) for each of the five goals scored against Ijele FC in the Round of 32 fixture of the 2025 President Federation's Cup, played at the Prince Abubakar Audu University Stadium, Anyigba, Kogi State.

Hon. Kwanta, upon assuming office, made it his personal priority to motivate the team by providing financial incentives and moral support for each goal scored per game and every victory secured.

Mohammed Saidu Bashir said: "This is a great turnaround for us after the disappointing away loss to Kwara United on Match Day 31.

"Akwa United are a good side. They are former league champions, and we respect them for that. However, we needed the points today more than they did, even though we are both going through the same phase of fighting relegation.

"We are so happy that we are back in contention to stabilize in the league, and we hope to continue with this great feat, starting with our next home game against our next-door neighbors, Plateau United, next weekend.

"Also, it’s great to see our fans back at the stadium after the ban that was placed on them five months ago. Their presence today was a huge morale booster, and we hope to see more of their support and high spirits in the remaining games.

"We thank everyone for their support and prayers always."

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 32: Nasarawa United FC brightens survival chances with win over Akwa

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