Solid Miners’ unbreakable run finally ends in Lafia as fatigue and Kwara United steel stop Nasarawa United
By Maxwell Kumoye and Eche Amos, CBS
The fortress of Lafia finally cracked.
After five straight home victories, Nasarawa United’s perfect home record was halted on Sunday as a stubborn Kwara United side forced a 1–1 draw in a tense Nigeria Premier Football League clash at the Lafia City Stadium.
It all began like another routine win for the table-topping Solid Miners. Just 10 minutes in, last season’s golden boot winner, Anas Yusuf, showed why he remains the team’s sharpest weapon pouncing on a sloppy clearance to slam home his third goal of the campaign. The home fans erupted, expecting another victory parade.
But the Harmony Boys had other ideas. Refusing to be cowed by the early blow, Aule Johnmark restored parity in the 36th minute with a cool finish that silenced the Lafia crowd. From that moment, it became a war of nerves, Nasarawa bombarded the Kwara goal, but the visitors’ backline stood like iron gates.
Despite wave after wave of pressure, the final whistle confirmed what many feared, the Solid Miners’ 100% home streak was over. The draw, however, keeps Nasarawa United perched firmly at the summit with 23 points from 12 matches.
FATIGUE, THE SILENT OPPONENT
Head Coach Mangut Mbwas didn’t hide his frustration after the match.
“It’s painful to drop points at home, especially in front of our supporters,” he admitted. “The boys were exhausted. Three games in one week, it took its toll. But that’s no excuse. We’ll bounce back stronger in Owerri.”
Indeed, Nasarawa’s schedule has been punishing—away in Port Harcourt, back home on Thursday, and another duel just three days later. The legs looked heavy, and the spark that fueled their earlier dominance flickered.
RESPECT FROM THE OPPOSITION
Kwara United’s gaffer, Suleiman Ashifat, was full of admiration for his opponents.
“Now I understand why Nasarawa United are topping the table,” he said. “They play beautiful football. We came for three points, but a draw here is a good result.”
The Harmony Boys’ discipline and grit earned them a deserved share of the spoils and valuable momentum as they prepare to face El-Kanemi Warriors next in Maiduguri.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Amid the on-field battle, there was a reason for the celebration at halftime.
Club Chairman Solomon Babanjah, Technical Adviser Mangut Mbwas, and first-choice goalkeeper Ameh Godwin were each presented with Awards of Excellence by the Lafia Social Sport Club.
The honours were handed over by Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the club’s rise this season.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Solid Miners will now hit the road to face Kun Khalifat FC in Owerri on Sunday, November 16, seeking redemption and renewed momentum.
For now, Lafia’s fortress remains intact, but no longer invincible.
Warri Wolves 0
Ikorodu City 2
Enugu Rangers 1
Shooting Stars 0
Kano Pillars 0
Bayelsa United 0
Nasarawa United 1
Kwara United 1
Wikki Tourists 1
Niger Tornadoes 0
Abia Warriors 0
Enyimba Intr FC 0
TODAY'S GAMES:
Kun Khalifat
Rivers United
Remo Stars
El Kanemi Warriors
Plateau United
Bendel Insurance
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