Anas Yusuf brace plus Garba’s strike fuel the Solid Miners; Remo Stars and Rangers also notch crucial wins.
Nasarawa United returned to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday after a convincing 3–0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors, with in-form forward Anas Yusuf once again at the heart of the performance.
Playing at the Lafia City Stadium on Match-day 14, the Solid Miners looked assured from start to finish as they continued their impressive push for a first league title in more than a decade.
Last season’s top scorer, Yusuf, set them on their way in the 38th minute, calmly converting from the penalty spot to give his side a deserved lead at halftime.
Barely a minute into the second half, the Nasarawa forward doubled the advantage, pouncing on a defensive mix-up to score his sixth goal of the current campaign. The goal further deflated an El-Kanemi side already battling to keep pace, and it opened the door for teenage sensation Garba Mohammed to add the third with a composed finish just moments later; his third of the season.
With the victory, Nasarawa United moved to 27 points from 14 matches, three clear of second-placed Ikorodu City, who, according to reports, still have a game in hand. The win also extended the Lafia club’s unbeaten run at home and reinforced their status as early-season title contenders in a campaign that has already produced surprising turns.
Next up, the Solid Miners will travel to Delta State for a tricky away fixture against Warri Wolves, who currently sit in eighth place and have proven tough to beat at home. After the match, head coach Mangut Mbwas expressed satisfaction with how his team executed their game plan. “I feel very excited. We planned to approach today’s game differently, and I am glad it paid off with multiple goals,” he said. He also praised El-Kanemi for their effort but insisted his team must maintain the same level of focus ahead of their next match.
Yusuf, who continues to lead by example, spoke of his delight after scoring a brace. “I am overjoyed to have scored today,” he said. “We hope to continue in this form going forward … my focus is on helping Nasarawa United secure a continental ticket. I thank our great supporters who continue to rally around us.”
As the title race heats up, defending champions Remo Stars strengthened their title defence hopes with a 2–0 home win against Barau FC in Ikenne. The goals came from Ahmed Akinyele and Victor Mbaoma, securing a vital home victory for the Sky Blue Stars. In Enugu, Rangers International claimed all three points in Enugu by beating Niger Tornadoes 1–0. Kenechukwu Agu scored the match-winner late in the game to lift the Flying Antelopes.
Other Notable Results
Wikki Tourists came from behind to earn a 1–1 draw with Bayelsa United, with Nasir Jibrin equalizing near full-time.
Kwara United and Shooting Stars played out a goalless draw in Ilorin.
Abia Warriors and Bendel Insurance also shared the spoils in a 0–0 result.
Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat played to a 1–1 draw, adding more intrigue to the mid-table battle.
Match Day 15 fixtures promises even more fireworks and Hot Sports Scoops will be right here to bring you every credible scoop from the pitch.
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