2026/2027 EuroMatch NPFL Match Day 10: Jofrank Inspires Nasarawa United to Fourth Straight Win

Posted : 26 October 2026

Nasarawa United continued their impressive resurgence in the 2026/2027 EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Enyimba International FC, extending their winning streak to four matches.

The Solid Miners secured all three points at the Lafia City Stadium through Jofrank Joshua's first-half strike, which condemned the former champions to another setback while strengthening the hosts' position among the league's leading contenders.

Joshua, an invitee to Nigeria's Olympic Eagles, delivered the decisive moment in the 23rd minute, cleverly chipping the ball over Enyimba goalkeeper Utum Godswill after receiving a well-timed pass inside the penalty area.

The goal was his third for Nasarawa United this season following his recovery from a prolonged groin injury, underlining his growing importance to the Lafia-based side.

Despite Enyimba's pedigree as nine-time Nigerian champions and two-time continental champions, Nasarawa United maintained their defensive discipline and threatened on the counterattack.

The visitors came close to equalising when Ganiyu Abiodun Olaniyan struck the upright, while goalkeeper Olughu Chinemerem produced two important saves to preserve the hosts' advantage.

Nasarawa United also had opportunities to extend their lead through substitutes Alao Danbani and Sunday Aluku, but both efforts were denied by the Enyimba goalkeeper.

The Solid Miners nevertheless managed the closing stages effectively, protecting their slender advantage to secure another valuable victory. Joshua's influential performance earned him the Man-of-the-Match award.

Speaking after the encounter, Nasarawa United head coach Mangut Mbwas praised his players for their efforts while admitting that his side could have scored more goals.

“Let me give credit to the boys for securing the maximum points. We should have scored more goals, but the three points are more important,” he said.

Mbwas highlighted his team's defensive improvement, noting that Nasarawa United had recorded five consecutive clean sheets.

“Thirteen points in five games is not a bad development. We are responding gradually, and suffice to say we are defending well and also attacking well,” he said.

The coach also expressed confidence ahead of their next assignment against Kano Pillars, promising that his team would seek maximum points despite last season's defeats against the Kano-based club.

Meanwhile, Enyimba coach Emmanuel Deutsch acknowledged Nasarawa United's superior performance on the day, admitting that his side had failed to take its opportunities.

“It was a very tough game for us today. They took advantage of their chance, even though we also had ours in the 92nd minute. But the better side won today, and congratulations to them,” Deutsch said.

He expressed confidence that the Aba-based club would recover from its current difficulties.

The victory lifted Nasarawa United to third place with 17 points from 10 matches, level with leaders Rivers United and second-placed Rangers International of Enugu, with goal difference separating the three sides.

The Solid Miners will next travel to Kano to face four-time champions Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 1, seeking to extend their winning run.

In recognition of the team's recent performances, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development rewarded the players with ₦1 million following the victory over Enyimba.

The reward was presented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Jibril Abdullahi Ibrahim, during the interval, fulfilling a pledge made after the club's away victory over Inter Lagos FC the previous weekend.

Ibrahim said the financial incentive was intended to motivate the team to sustain its performance and fulfil the state government's expectations.

Club chairman Solomon Babanjah, board members, and State Football Association chairman Salisu Usman Galadima witnessed the presentation.

Joshua, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for his goal and his maiden invitation to Nigeria's Olympic Eagles, pledging to work hard to earn a place in the final squad.

He also thanked his teammates, coaches, and the club's management for their support.

2026/2027 EuroMatch NPFL Match Day 10: Jofrank Inspires Nasarawa United to Fourth Straight Win

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