Nasarawa United’s Technical Adviser, Kabiru Dogo, has expressed delight over his team’s 2-0 victory against Niger Tornadoes in their Matchday 22 clash of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday evening.

The win marks The Solid Miners’ second consecutive home victory and a vital step in their battle against relegation.

Speaking after the game, Dogo acknowledged the significance of the result:

“Congratulations to all of us for this great result. This is a wonderful comeback after the disappointing loss in Ibadan against Shooting Stars last week. Ironically, we played better there than we did today, but football can be unpredictable—you play well and lose, and other times, you play badly and win.”

Dogo emphasized that Nasarawa United’s league position (18th) is not acceptable, and the team is committed to turning things around.

“We are giving our all to redeem our image and return to where we belong in the league standings. This victory is dedicated to our loyal supporters who have remained patient with us. We will continue to do our best to meet their expectations.”

Looking ahead to their next fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri, Dogo remains optimistic:

“Nothing is impossible in football. Nobody should write us off because of our current situation—it is not a permanent position. We will get out of this and reassert our authority as the season progresses.”

League-leading scorer Anas Yusuf was the hero of the match, netting both goals to secure the three points for Nasarawa United.

In the 3rd minute, Anas won and converted a penalty after being fouled inside the box by a Tornadoes defender.

 In the 71st minute, he doubled the lead after pouncing on a poor clearance from Kabir Balogun’s free kick, coolly slotting past goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo.

• The brace takes Anas Yusuf’s tally to 13 goals this season, including three perfect penalty conversions.

At the other end, Nasarawa United’s goalkeeper, Detan Ogundare, delivered a solid performance, making crucial saves to deny Daniel Akanbek, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, and Sunday Akinmoladun.

Despite the win, Nasarawa United remain in 18th place with 22 points from 22 matches, pending the final verdict on their deducted three points and three goals. Meanwhile, Niger Tornadoes drop to 8th place with 30 points.

The Solid Miners will now travel to Maiduguri for a tough Matchday 23 encounter against El-Kanemi Warriors on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 3 PM.