2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 34: Late drama seals vital win for El-Kanemi Warriors against Nasarawa United

Posted : 15 April 2026

El-Kanemi Warriors FC left it late to secure a crucial 1–0 victory over Nasarawa United FC in a tense Matchday 34 encounter of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

In a contest defined by resilience and late drama, the decisive moment arrived just two minutes from time when substitute Rislanu Ismail capitalised on a costly goalkeeping error to hand the hosts all three points.

The game, officiated by FIFA referee Kazim, began with El-Kanemi asserting early dominance despite being without three key players.

Their attacking intent was clear from the outset, but Nasarawa United’s goalkeeper stood tall, producing a string of fine saves to frustrate the home side throughout the first half.

Nasarawa, known as the Solid Miners, adopted a disciplined defensive approach and managed to weather sustained pressure, heading into the break with the scoreline intact after four minutes of added time.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with El-Kanemi probing persistently but lacking the cutting edge in the final third.

Nasarawa United remained compact and looked dangerous on the counter, forcing goalkeeper Idrissu Ibrahim into a decisive one-on-one save in the 80th minute to keep the game level.

Sensing the need for a breakthrough, El-Kanemi’s technical bench made a series of attacking substitutions, introducing Rislanu Ismail, Ibrahim Salisu, Adewale Yusuf, and Osas Kelvin to inject fresh energy.

The tactical changes eventually paid off in the 88th minute. A teasing aerial delivery from Bilal Yakubu caused confusion in the Nasarawa defence, and the goalkeeper’s failure to gather cleanly proved costly. Ismail reacted quickest, smashing home the loose ball to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters.

Tempers flared in stoppage time as the Nasarawa United goalkeeper was shown a straight red card after the final whistle, compounding a frustrating evening for the visitors.

Speaking after the match, El-Kanemi Warriors head coach Kabiru Dogo praised his team’s persistence and acknowledged the intensity of the fixture.

“We thank Almighty Allah for this win. Matches between these two teams are always top-class encounters.

“By His grace, we will intensify training ahead of our next match and correct the mistakes we observed,” he said.

The result strengthens El-Kanemi’s position as the NPFL season approaches its decisive stages, while Nasarawa United will rue missed opportunities and a late lapse that ultimately cost them a valuable point.

This hard-fought victory underscores the resilience of the Warriors as they continue their pursuit of a top-tier finish. As the season nears its conclusion, maintaining this momentum will be vital for the Maiduguri-based side to achieve their campaign objectives.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 34: Late drama seals vital win for El-Kanemi Warriors against Nasarawa United

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