2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 30: Nasarawa United FC leapfrog red zone after hard-fought victory over Rangers International FC

Posted : 23 March 2025

In a heart-stopping, nail-biting finish, the Solid Miners clinched a breathtaking 1-0 home victory over the reigning Nigeria Premier League title holders, Rangers International of Enugu, in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 30 fixture at the Lafia City Stadium on Friday evening, courtesy of a dramatic 89th-minute penalty goal.

The hard-earned win was the perfect antidote to United's struggles in the relegation zone, injecting new life into the team's season.

As the match hung precariously in the balance, Nasarawa United's persistence and determination finally paid off. Kabir Balogun's penalty, expertly converted in the dying moments of the game after substitute Ugochukwu Leonard was headbutted inside the box, sent the home side into raptures and secured a priceless three points. This result continues their unbeaten home form in the second half of the campaign, boosts their morale, and provides a crucial cushion in their bid to avoid relegation.

The result means the Solid Miners are now 15th on the log with 36 points, while the Flying Antelopes, Rangers, remain unmoved in 3rd position with 45 points.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, alongside Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, watched the game from the stands in solidarity with the Solid Miners.

Nasarawa United will continue with their renewed spirit and resilience as they travel to Ilorin to face fellow North-Central rivals Kwara United on Wednesday, 26th March 2025, fighting the battle against the odds in the remaining fixtures, determined to ensure top-flight status for another season.

The Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United FC, Salisu Yusuf, after the match, acknowledged the difficulty of playing against stronger teams.

"Playing against a team in the top three is always difficult, and considering our position on the table, it made our players anxious and put them under pressure."

"You could see what happened in the first half when they were supposed to score on three occasions but were jittery."

"We created some great chances, but we ended up winning with a penalty, which, to me, is a good result."

"Rangers gave us a good fight. They had more rest days compared to us. But let me say it's a fantastic game."

"We will continue to push on because we still have eight games left, and I believe we will continue to have positive outcomes in the remaining games."

Assistant Coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, who stood in for the Technical Adviser of Rangers International, Fidelis Ilechukwu, who is away with the Super Eagles, said they lost to a better side.

"The two teams played well, but in the end, we lost 1-0 to the better side, Nasarawa United."

"With this loss, we will return home to regroup for our next game, which we hope will favour us."

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 30: Nasarawa United FC leapfrog red zone after hard-fought victory over Rangers International FC

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