Anas Yusuf strike followed by Aule Johnmark equaliser keeps the Solid Miners from full points
At the sun-drenched Lafia City Stadium, the visitors from Ilorin brought a message and left with a statement. On Sunday, Kwara United earned a well-deserved 1-1 draw against the league-leading Nasarawa United in Matchday 12 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), handing the home side their first dropped points of the 2025/26 campaign.
Barely two minutes into the contest, the “Solid Miners” of Nasarawa United ignited their home supporters when their talisman, Anas Yusuf, capitalised on a defensive mistake to give the hosts an explosive start and send Lafia into raptures. But the visitors did not wilt. With the early shock absorbed and the crowd buzzing, Kwara United’s rhythm gradually took hold. They began controlling possession, carving passages through midfield, and probing patiently.
Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Johnmark Aule rounded off a composed move involving Gidado Toheeb and Babatunde Bright, drilling home the equaliser and resetting the contest on the road team’s terms. Sources indicate that this marked a significant moment: it halted Nasarawa United’s perfect home run this season.
The second half belonged largely to the visitors in terms of energy and mental discipline. While the hosts repeatedly threatened, Kwara’s defence held firm: goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmus marshalled the back-line alongside Yahaya Ibrahim and Arinze Ogbonna, turning away late efforts from Nasarawa and preserving the draw. Reports point to key saves and clearances by the trio, especially after the early opener had looked to set the contest’s tone.
For Nasarawa United, the draw is a slip that may cost more than just two points. Head coach Mbwas Mangut expressed his disappointment with the outcome, saying, “This really is not the result we had wanted. It’s painful to drop points in front of your supporters, particularly going by what we have done so far and the expectations of everyone.”
He also cited player fatigue as a factor, explaining, “The players were exhausted. We have had a cluster of games in a short period, away in Port Harcourt, Thursday in Lafia, and today again. It’s taken its toll on the team because we didn’t have the same level of energy and intensity that we have shown in previous matches.” Despite the setback, the Solid Miners remain top of the NPFL table.
For Kwara United, the point is a clear boost: away from home, showing resilience and tactical maturity, and reminding the Nigerian football community that the “Harmony Boys” are not to be dismissed.
Sunday’s match underlines two key trends. First, the value of away discipline in the NPFL is rising. Teams that can stay compact, calm, and composed on the road are gaining advantages.
Second, the psychological impact of drawing at a tough away venue is significant: for Kwara United it may spark a positive run; for Nasarawa United it may signal the need for heightened focus.
In the coming rounds, keep an eye on how Nasarawa reacts and whether Kwara can build momentum. The tagline for Nigerian football this season? No guarantee. No tradition that protects you. Only form, focus and fight.
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