2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 22: Anas to the rescue once again as Nasarawa United FC thrash Niger Tornadoes 2-0

Posted : 04 February 2025

Nasarawa United continued their fight against relegation with a convincing 2-0 win over fellow North Central Zonal rivals, Niger Tornadoes, in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season's Matchday 22 clash at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday evening.

The league's leading goalscorer, Anas Yusuf, scored in both halves of the game to give the Coach Kabir Dogo-led side their second consecutive home win since the beginning of the second half of the campaign at the fans-free venue.

Anas expertly converted a 3rd-minute penalty, which he won after being set up by Abubakar Aliyu in the first half.

The Super Eagles' Team B attacker completed his brace in the 71st minute after benefiting from a poorly cleared free-kick by his teammate, Kabir Balogun. He majestically controlled the ball before blasting it past the hapless Tornadoes' goalkeeper, Joshua Enaholo. This marked his thirteenth goal of the season and his third perfect penalty conversion of the campaign.

The Solid Miners' goalkeeper, Detan Ogundare, was in top form, denying the visitors from scoring by saving thunderous shots from Daniel Akanbek, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, and Sunday Akinmoladun.

The home side held firm until regulation time to claim the maximum points against their zonal rivals, a result that boosted their chances of avoiding the relegation zone.

With the final verdict on the deducted three points and three goals yet to be delivered, Sunday's result means Nasarawa United is now 18th on the log with 22 points from 22 games, while Tornadoes drop to 8th position with 30 points.

The Solid Miners will be on the road to face El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Matchday 23, Sunday, 9th February 2025, at 3:00 PM.

Coach Kabir Dogo congratulated his players after the victory over the visiting Ikon Allah Boys.

"Congratulations to all of us for this great result. This is a wonderful comeback for us after the disappointing result in Ibadan against Shooting Stars last midweek.

"We played better there than we did today, but football can be very strange; sometimes you play well and lose, and other times, you play badly and win.

"Our current position in the league isn't good enough, so we are giving our all to redeem our image and return to the best place we are known for in the league standings.

"We dedicate today's result to our ever-present supporters and fans alike for their patience with us. We will continue to do our best to meet their expectations.

"As for our next game against El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, nothing is impossible as far as the league is concerned.

"Every game is possible. Nobody should underrate us due to our current predicament; it's never a permanent position. We will get out of that position and assert our authority as the season progresses."

For Ikon Allah Boys' coach, Mohammed Majin: "I am really surprised that my boys weren't at their best today. Perhaps, they underrated Nasarawa United.

"The outcome of the game shows that Nasarawa United needed the points more than we did. They came out smoking from the blast of the whistle, putting us under intense pressure.

"We conceded an early goal, and before we knew it, it was already difficult to get back into the game.

"Nonetheless, we are building a team. We are a young side, and we don't want to expose ourselves to unnecessary pressure.

"As long as this season is concerned, we assure our fans that we will do better than we did last season."

Excited brace-scorer Anas said: "I feel so excited to have scored a brace today to help my team record another win this season, my 14th goal of the season.

"I will continue to work hard, together with my teammates, to ensure we win more games and move up to a better position in the league standings."

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 22: Anas to the rescue once again as Nasarawa United FC thrash Niger Tornadoes 2-0

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