NPFL Matchday 8: Nasarawa United Stay Top as Pillars Stumble Late in Kano
Nasarawa United maintained their fine form and grip on top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League after a 2–1 comeback victory over Rangers International in Lafia.
The visitors struck first in the 19th minute through Wisdom Ebirim, who scored his first goal of the campaign. But the league leaders responded impressively, with last season’s top scorer, Anas Yusuf, converting from the spot to draw level shortly after the half-hour mark. John Joshua then completed the turnaround with a composed finish in the 62nd minute to seal all three points for the home side.
The victory marked Nasarawa United’s fifth consecutive win and extended their unbeaten streak to seven games, underlining the remarkable transformation engineered by young coach Mangut Mbwas. Once battling relegation, the Solid Miners have now become one of the strongest sides in the division, playing with renewed confidence and cohesion.
With 19 points, Nasarawa United remain at the summit of the table, while Rangers slip to seventh with 11 points, seeing their three-game unbeaten run come to an end. The Flying Antelopes will hope to bounce back when they travel to Ikenne to face champions Remo Stars.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors returned to winning ways after their midweek setback in Enugu, claiming a 2–0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors. Casmir Azubuike was the star performer, scoring twice in quick succession midway through the first half to hand Imama Amapakabo’s men a comfortable win. The result lifts the Warriors to second place with 15 points, keeping them firmly in the title conversation.
Meanwhile, in Owerri, Enyimba’s early-season troubles deepened as they suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to newly promoted Kun Khalifat. The People’s Elephant were reduced to ten men just before halftime when Henry Ndedi was sent off, and their resistance was eventually broken by a brilliant free kick from Ebuka Nwokorie midway through the second half. The goal not only secured Kun Khalifat’s second victory of the campaign but also took Nwokorie’s tally to four for the season.
Over in Kano, Kano Pillars were denied a crucial home win after Shooting Stars snatched a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in a 1–1 draw. Mustapha Jibrin had given Pillars an early lead in the ninth minute, but Adams Mustapha struck deep into added time to rescue a point for the visitors. The result leaves Sai Masu Gida struggling in 17th place with just eight points, while Shooting Stars extended their unbeaten run to four matches and climbed to fifth with 12 points.
Elsewhere across the league, Wikki Tourists and Kwara United shared the spoils in Bauchi following a 1–1 draw, while Katsina United stunned reigning champions Remo Stars 3–1 in one of the weekend’s biggest upsets. Bayelsa United’s clash with Rivers United in Port Harcourt was postponed due to heavy rainfall and has been rescheduled for Monday morning.
Matchday 8 delivered goals, drama, and late twists — hallmarks of a fiercely competitive NPFL season that continues to live up to expectations.
