"This Feels Like Home Away From Home" – Coach Salisu Hails Gombe Support as Nasarawa United FC Edge Heartland FC

Coach Salisu Yusuf has expressed deep gratitude to Gombe State's football community after Nasarawa United claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over Heartland FC in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match-day 35 clash on Sunday.

Played at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe, the Solid Miners secured all three points thanks to a brilliant solo effort from league top scorer Anas Yusuf in the 44th minute. The forward, found by Ugochukwu Leonard, calmly slotted home his 16th goal of the season to keep Nasarawa’s survival hopes alive.

Coach Salisu hailed the warm reception and support his team has received in Gombe, following their displacement due to a league-imposed ban from playing at their original home ground in Lafia.

“This feels like home away from home for us,” Salisu said. “We are overwhelmed by the massive support and solidarity shown to us. Our warmest gratitude to the sports stakeholders in Gombe State – the Government, Football Association, Gombe United FC, Doma United FC, their supporters, and the local media. As long as we are here, we will continue to reward their support.”

Despite having a second goal ruled out for offside in the 79th minute, Nasarawa United held firm to record a fourth consecutive home win, previously defeating Akwa United, Plateau United, and Rangers International.

The result lifts the Solid Miners to 13th place with 46 points, while Heartland FC, under Coach Emmanuel Amunike, sit 17th with 42 points and face the threat of relegation.

Nasarawa United now turn their attention to two key upcoming fixtures: a Federation Cup quarter-final against Abakaliki United on Saturday, 3rd May in Benin City, and a league visit to relegated Lobi Stars on Wednesday, 7th May.

In recognition of the team’s efforts, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, rewarded the squad with N150,000 as part of his ongoing per-goal incentive scheme. Kwanta