In a heart-stopping, nail-biting finish, the Solid Miners clinched a breathtaking 1-0 home victory over the reigning Nigeria Premier League’s title holders, Rangers International of Enugu, in week 30 fixture decided at the Lafia City Stadium on Friday evening, courtesy of a dramatic 89th-minute penalty goal.
Today’s hard-earned win was the perfect antidote to United’s struggles in the drop 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 embers of the game after substitute, Ugochukwu Leonard, was headbutted inside the box, sent the home side into raptures, and secured a priceless three points, as they continue with their unbeaten home form in the second stanza of the campaign, and boosting their morale, while providing a crucial cushion in the bid to avoid relegation.
Today’s result means the Solid Miners are now 15th on the log, with 36 points, while the Flying Antelopes, Rangers, remain unmoved on 3rd position, with 45 points.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, alongside Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr
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 a top-flight status for another season.
POST-MATCH REACTIONS:
COACH SALISU YUSUF(NAS): “Playing against a team in the top-three is always difficult, and considering our position on the table. This made our players to be anxious and under so kind of 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 resting 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.”
ASST. COACH EKEH EKENEDILICHUKWU(RAN): “The two teams played well, but at the end, we lost the game 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.”