NPFL 25: Dogo Reflects on Nasarawa United's Surprise Victory Over Kano Pillars



In an unexpected turn of events, Nasarawa United, led by head coach Kabiru Dogo, clinched a memorable 1-0 win over Kano Pillars in the ninth match day of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. Speaking after the victory at the Lafia City Stadium, Dogo acknowledged that few had anticipated his side would prevail over the experienced Kano Pillars squad. "Nobody gave us the chance to win today, considering the quality and experience Kano Pillars brought into this match," Dogo noted. The match indeed turned out to be a thrilling encounter for fans who packed the stadium on Sunday to witness what became an impressive defensive display by the Solid Miners.

Nasarawa United made a statement from the onset, controlling the game's tempo and demonstrating disciplined tactics that kept Kano Pillars at bay. The home crowd erupted in the 40th minute when the in-form Anas Yusuf broke through and delivered a well-taken shot from a tight angle, notching his ninth goal in as many games this season. Yusuf’s precision was a testament to his rising prowess in front of goal, further strengthening his reputation as one of the league's most potent forwards. His goal proved decisive, as the Solid Miners held firm to maintain their narrow lead until the final whistle.

With the victory, Nasarawa United climbed to the eighth position on the NPFL table, accumulating 12 points so far in the season. Meanwhile, Kano Pillars, a team boasting highly respected talents such as Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, and Rabiu Ali (Pele), slipped to the 12th spot with 11 points. Dogo was quick to express his joy, stating, "This win is massive for everyone in Nasarawa State. Beating a team with so many experienced players is a huge confidence boost for us moving forward."

The Solid Miners could have widened the margin, as they missed several promising opportunities throughout the game. Dogo admitted that his team could have easily added two or three goals if they had capitalized on their chances. "We would have recorded about three goals today because we dominated in all facets. However, we’re still satisfied with the 1-0 win, as it guarantees us the three points," he shared. Despite the narrow scoreline, the win highlights Nasarawa United's potential to upset even the most seasoned squads in the NPFL.

Looking ahead, Nasarawa United faces a tough challenge in their upcoming match against defending champions Rangers International. Set to be held at the Cathedral Stadium in Enugu, this clash on November 3 will see Nasarawa United taking on the league's 11th-placed team. Dogo mentioned that they are approaching the Rangers game with cautious optimism, stating, "Our next game is against Rangers, and we intend to approach it one step at a time, focusing on securing another positive result."

The Solid Miners’ triumph over Kano Pillars marks a pivotal moment in their season, underscoring the determination within the team to defy expectations. For Nasarawa United and their fans, this victory serves as a reminder that in the NPFL, the outcome of any game is far from predictable, and with each win, they strengthen their resolve for a competitive finish this season.

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