Nasarawa United Stun Abia Warriors to Go Second in NPFL

Nasarawa United reignited their continental ambitions with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Abia Warriors at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday evening.

The hosts looked on course for victory when Chukwuemeka Obioma struck two minutes before half-time, but the Solid Miners responded with a spirited second-half performance.

Substitute Habibu Alakija, who replaced the injured John Joshua, levelled the score in the 47th minute before Jofrank Istifanus completed the turnaround eight minutes later.

Goalkeeper Darlintin Ovunda produced a string of outstanding saves to preserve the lead, earning him the Man-of-the-Match award and sparking jubilant celebrations among the visiting side.

The victory was witnessed by top Nasarawa State officials, including Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa, and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Sports Affairs, Comrade Hamza Ibrahim Moyi.

The result lifted Nasarawa United to second place on the Nigeria Premier Football League table with 38 points from 22 matches, just three points behind leaders Rivers United.

Abia Warriors slipped to third despite having a point more, but crucially lost ground in the title race.

It was Nasarawa’s first-ever league win away to Abia Warriors, a landmark result that reawakened hopes of a title challenge and continental qualification with 16 matches still to play this season.

Coach Mangut Mbwas hailed the resilience of his players: ‘It’s quite a great win for us. We knew very well that we needed to get ourselves together to do what we did today. All the players had a great game, including the goalkeeper, Darlintin Ovunda, who was quite exceptional as he has always been. I must give him credit for the massive saves he made today which proved decisive.’

Match-winner Jofrank Istifanus added: ‘I feel amazing for the win today. We have been having this thought of picking our first win in a league game here, and thank God we won. We are motivated by today’s win and hoping to maintain the momentum going forward.’

Nasarawa United will next host Enyimba on Wednesday, January 28, before travelling to Bauchi to face Wikki Tourists on February 1.