Nasarawa United boosted their survival hopes with a crucial 2-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 22 encounter at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday evening. The win lifts the Solid Miners’ spirits as they battle to escape relegation.
The League’s top scorer, Anas Yusuf, delivered another stellar performance, netting twice to secure all three points for Coach Kabir Dogo’s side. His goals ensured Nasarawa United claimed their second consecutive home win in the second stanza of the season.
The home side got off to a flying start as Anas Yusuf won and converted a penalty in the third minute. The in-form forward was brought down after being played through by Abubakar Aliyu, and he calmly dispatched the spot-kick past goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo.
Niger Tornadoes struggled to find a response as Nasarawa United maintained their defensive discipline. The visitors had a few chances, but Solid Miners’ goalkeeper Detan Ogundare was equal to the task, making key saves to deny Daniel Akanbek, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, and Sunday Akinmoladun.
Anas Yusuf doubled Nasarawa United’s lead in the 71st minute, capitalizing on a poor clearance from a Kabir Balogun free-kick. With a composed first touch, he rifled the ball past Enaholo for his 14th goal of the season and his third successful penalty conversion of the campaign.
The home side remained resolute in defense, ensuring they saw out the game without conceding. The victory gives them a significant morale boost as they continue their fight to climb out of the relegation zone.
With the NPFL’s final verdict on Nasarawa United’s three-point deduction still pending, the club now sits 18th on the table with 22 points from 22 matches. Meanwhile, Niger Tornadoes dropped to 8th position with 30 points.
Next up, Nasarawa United will travel to Maiduguri to face El-Kanemi Warriors on Matchday 23, scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025. The team hopes to build on their recent momentum in their quest to avoid relegation.
Reacting to the result, Coach Kabir Dogo praised his players’ resilience, calling it a "wonderful comeback" after their midweek loss to Shooting Stars. He emphasized that the team remains determined to improve their standing in the league.
On the other hand, Niger Tornadoes coach Majin Mohammed admitted his team underestimated Nasarawa United. He vowed that his young squad would learn from the defeat and push for better performances in the remainder of the season.
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