Can Akwa United Hold Nasarawa United in Crucial NPFL Survival Clash Today?
All eyes will be on the Lafia Township Stadium today, Sunday April 6, 2025, as Akwa United take on Nasarawa United in a must-win Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 32 fixture that could define both teams’ survival hopes this season.
Akwa United are in fine form heading into the clash, unbeaten in their last five league matches with four wins and a draw. Sitting 16th on the log with 37 points from 31 games, the Promise Keepers are just one point and one position above their hosts, Nasarawa United, who sit 17th with 36 points from the same number of matches.
Coach Kennedy Boboye’s men have shown strong signs of resurgence, collecting 13 points from a possible 15, scoring 8 goals and conceding just 1 during that run. They have a goal difference of -2, having scored 29 and conceded 31 goals so far this campaign.
In contrast, under new coach Salisu Yusuf, Nasarawa United’s recent form has been less convincing – one win, three draws, and a loss in their last five games.
They’ve netted 27 times and conceded 33 goals overall, with a goal deficit of -6. However, home advantage could play a crucial role for the Solid Miners in today’s high-stakes encounter.
The head-to-head record favours Akwa United, who have won three of their last four meetings against Nasarawa United, including a famous 6-1 thrashing in Uyo in 2022 and a 0-3 away victory in 2023. Overall, in 23 meetings since 2013, Akwa United have claimed 9 wins to Nasarawa’s 6, with 8 matches ending in draws.
Akwa United also won the first leg of this season’s fixture 1-0 in Uyo and will be eyeing a league double over their relegation rivals.
Both coaches know their team must get a positive result in Lafia to stay above the drop zone and build momentum for the final stretch of the season.
Prediction (Nsikakabasi Akpan): Nasarawa United 1-1 Akwa United
A tense and closely-fought battle is expected in Lafia. While Nasarawa will push for maximum points at home, Akwa United’s recent form should help them secure a valuable away draw in their fight for survival.
