NPFL: Nasarawa United Reclaim Top Spot with Comeback Victory Over Remo Stars

Nasarawa United surged back to the summit of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League table after a spirited 2-1 comeback win over reigning champions Remo Stars in a rescheduled matchday 10 encounter at the Lafia City Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

The Solid Miners, still reeling from back-to-back away defeats, found themselves trailing early when Remo Stars capitalized on a defensive lapse.

Michael Ibeh struck in the 5th minute to give the visitors the lead, a goal that momentarily silenced the home crowd. But Nasarawa United responded with composure and class. In the 31st minute, John Joshua finished off a flowing team move to level the score, sending the teams into the break tied at 1-1.

The second half saw Nasarawa United make key tactical adjustments, and their persistence paid off in the 72nd minute. Jofrank Istifanus, later named player of the match, pounced on a goalmouth scramble to slot home the winner, igniting wild celebrations in the stands. The goal marked Istifanus’ first for the club in what is his debut season in the top flight.

Buoyed by the presence of Nasarawa State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, and other dignitaries including the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, and Chief Whip Hon. Larry Ven Bawa, the Solid Miners held firm to protect their lead. The 2-1 result lifted them to 22 points from 11 games, one point ahead of second placed Abia Warriors.

Speaking after the match, head coach Mangut Mbwas expressed relief and pride in his team’s resilience.

‘It’s been a very difficult period for us, especially the last three weeks, but we are glad to return to winning ways again,’ he said. ‘We lost two straight matches on the road, which was difficult to swallow. We believe that we will improve more in our next game against Kwara United, even though we know the league is getting tougher.’

Mbwas also acknowledged the impact of the high profile support in the stands. ‘The presence of the State’s Deputy Governor in today’s game was a huge motivation for us, and we are glad we made his presence worth the visit,’ he added.

Remo Stars’ assistant coach Sulaiman Folarin admitted it was a tough day for the defending champions but remained optimistic.

‘It wasn’t a bad game altogether. Both sides did their best, but mother luck fell on Nasarawa United. We lost many goalscoring chances, but we will return to our base to correct those grey areas. Our target remains to defend the league title.’

Match-winner Istifanus was elated with his breakthrough moment. ‘It feels really wonderful to score my first goal in Nasarawa United’s colours and in the league,’ he said. ‘I have been fighting for this chance, thank God I got it today through the help of my teammates and coaches. With today’s goal, the door for more goals has been opened for me, God willing.’

Nasarawa United will next host Kwara United on Sunday, November 9, at the Lafia City Stadium in a matchday twelve fixture scheduled for 4 p.m.