…Governor Sule, Sports Commissioner Splash Cash Rewards on Victorious Solid Miners

 

Nasarawa United claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over regional rivals Plateau United on Match Day 33 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, in front of an electrified home crowd at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

 

The high-octane North Central derby didn’t disappoint, as the Solid Miners struck first in the 22nd minute through league top scorer Anas Yusuf, who bagged his 15th goal of the season with a composed finish from Abubakar Aliyu’s assist.

 

The hosts doubled their lead early in the second half when Ugochukwu Leonard deflected Anas Yusuf’s shot into the net in the 54th minute. Despite the two-goal cushion, Plateau United fought back, with Vincent Temitope slicing through the defense to make it 2-1 in the 58th minute.

 

Leonard then restored the two-goal advantage in the 74th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from Aliyu Abubakar’s free-kick to notch his second of the night. But the drama wasn’t over.

 

Temitope had a chance to bring Plateau back into the game with a stoppage-time penalty, but his effort was denied by a superb save from Detan Ogundare. The visitors eventually pulled one back in the dying seconds through Samuel Pam, but it was too little, too late.

The win not only earns Nasarawa United bragging rights over their zonal rivals but also lifts them to 14th on the log with 42 points — level with Plateau United but behind on goal difference. Crucially, the result strengthens the Solid Miners’ bid to stay clear of relegation.

Up next, Nasarawa United will turn their focus to the Round of 16 of the 2025 President Federation Cup, where they will face fellow NPFL side Bayelsa United on Wednesday, April 16, at the Prince Abubakar Audu University Stadium in Anyigba. They will then travel to Benin for a tough Match Day 34 clash against high-flying Bendel Insurance.

Governor Abdullahi Sule was quick to reward the team’s fighting spirit, gifting them N2.5 million shortly after the game. The announcement came via the club’s official WhatsApp platform where the Governor follows live match updates.

“Great game, guys! Clean and authoritative win! N2.5 million from me to the team. Congratulations, guys!!!” the Governor wrote.

Also showing support, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, handed the team N1 million at half-time, motivating the players to push for the win. He encouraged them to remain focused and promised continued support for their survival push.

Post-Match Reaction – Coach Salisu Yusuf (Nasarawa United):

“We are happy for the win. The boys worked really hard and are adapting well to our system. I’m not surprised we scored three goals — though the late lapses are something we must address.

 

Right now, the focus is on Bayelsa United in the President Federation Cup, then we look ahead to Bendel Insurance. One game at a time, we are ready for the challenge.”

Nasarawa United’s grit, character, and timely reward structure may just be the fuel they need for a successful end to the season.