Solid Miners mine more points

 ...Nasarawa United stun Remo Stars to reclaim top spot 
By Maxwell Kumoye with additional agency report 
 
Nasarawa United roared back to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League table in spectacular fashion on Thursday, coming from behind to beat defending champions Remo Stars 2–1 in a rescheduled Matchday 10 thriller at the Lafia City Stadium.

The Solid Miners, bruised by back-to-back defeats in their last two outings, showed grit and heart before their home fans to turn the tide and reclaim first place with 22 points from 11 matches, one ahead of Abia Warriors.

It didn’t start well for the hosts. Remo Stars, still licking their wounds after a CAF Champions League exit, struck early through Michael Ibeh in the fifth minute following a defensive blunder. But the champions’ lead didn’t last long. 

Nasarawa’s response came in style, John Joshua finished off a slick team move in the 31st minute to level matters before halftime.

The real drama unfolded after the break. With the Lafia crowd on edge, Nasarawa’s man of the moment, Jofrank Istifanus, poked home from close range in the 72nd minute after a goalmouth scramble, his first-ever goal for the club, and one that sent the stadium into wild celebration.

Backed by the roaring presence of the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, and other top government officials, the Solid Miners defended their lead with ferocious determination until the final whistle.

“We’ve gone through a tough spell, but this win means a lot,” said head coach Mangut Mbwas after the game. “The presence of the Deputy Governor was a huge motivation. We’re back in the race and we’ll keep pushing.”

Remo’s assistant coach Sulaiman Folarin admitted his side were unlucky: “It wasn’t a bad performance, but we wasted too many chances. We’ll regroup and fight back, the title defence is still on.”

Hero of the day, Istifanus, could barely hide his excitement: “It’s my first goal in the NPFL, and what a moment! I’ve been waiting for this chance, this is just the beginning.”

Nasarawa United will look to extend their momentum when they host Kwara United on Sunday, November 9, while Remo Stars will return to the drawing board to revive their title chase.

Full-time 
Nasarawa Utd 2–1 Remo Stars 

Insurance 0–0 Rivers United

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