Nasarawa United Edge Wikki Tourists to Climb NPFL Table

By David Odama

The Solid Miners maintained their impressive start to the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a 1-0 home victory over newly promoted Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi in a match-day four clash at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday evening.

According to the club’s Director of Media, Eche Amis, youngster Garba Mohammed scored the decisive goal in the 37th minute, securing a second consecutive home win for Nasarawa United. The victory moved the Lafia-based side to seven points, level with their visitors on the NPFL standings.

The Mangut Mbwas-led team, who earned a valuable point last weekend against nine-time champions Enyimba FC in Aba, now occupy 5th position on the log with seven points from a possible twelve.

United will look to sustain the momentum when they travel to Yenagoa to face Bayelsa United—who lost 0-2 at home to Enyimba—on match-day five next weekend. They will then return to Lafia on Sunday, September 28, to host Katsina United on match-day six.

The match against Wikki Tourists was graced by top dignitaries including the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan; Governor Abdullahi Sule’s aide on Sports Affairs, Comrade Hamza Ibrahim Moyi; and State Football Association Chairman, Salisu Galadima. Nasarawa United Chairman, Mr. Solomon Babanjah, hosted the officials alongside a large crowd of supporters.

In his post-match remarks, Coach Mangut Mbwas expressed delight at his team’s performance:

> “It is a thing of joy to get maximum points against a very mobile and confident team. We tried to stop them from circulating the ball, counter-pressed effectively, and one of those moments gave us the goal. From then on, we denied them space to build from the back to the attack. It was an open game, but credit goes to my players who stood firm to secure the win.”

He further explained his decision to start Anas Yusuf from the bench:

> “Since he returned from national duty with the home-based Super Eagles and is set to receive his highest goal scorer award in Abuja, he has been alternating training sessions. This is part of his physical conditioning to gradually regain full match fitness, and we believe he’ll soon return to his best form.”

Looking ahead, the coach added:

> “The league is still in its early stages. We are taking each game as it comes with different approaches, starting with our next clash against Bayelsa United. We’ll keep working hard and smart to achieve our goals.”

Match-winner Garba Mohammed also shared his excitement:

> “It was a fantastic game for us. I’m very happy to score the winning goal, and my target this season is to be among the highest goal scorers and assist providers. Our ambition is to secure a continental ticket this season.”

Nasarawa United Line-Up: Ameh Godwin, Abubakar Abdullahi, Mubarak Hussaini, Chidera Nduka, Victor John, Utake Emmanuel, Garba Mohammed (Anas Yusuf 64’), Adah Umar (Paul Itim 72’), John Joshua, Salomon Chigoziem (Ekeson Okorie 64’), Jofrank Istifanus.

Unused Subs: Darlintin Ovunda, Moses Tsetuan, King Osanga, Prince Ikemdinachi, Moyi Hassan, Gozie Umeh.