2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL Match Day 4: Yakubu Penalty Rescues Nasarawa United Against Rivers United

Posted : 21 September 2026

Nasarawa United fought back from a second-half setback to earn a 1-1 draw against Rivers United in a keenly contested 2026/27 Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 4 encounter at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday.

The Solid Miners dominated possession for long periods but struggled to turn their territorial advantage into goals, with Jofrank Istifanus, Sunday Aluku and Umar Mohammed among those who failed to find the target.

Having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Rangers in their previous outing, Nasarawa United entered the game seeking a response, but Rivers United proved difficult to break down as both sides battled for control.

The visitors eventually took the lead in the 68th minute through an unfortunate own goal by Nasarawa United defender Harrison Ebah.

Ebah attempted to intercept a defence-splitting pass under pressure but inadvertently diverted the ball beyond goalkeeper Olughu Chinemerem, giving Rivers United an unexpected advantage.

The goal prompted Nasarawa United Technical Adviser Mangut Mbwas to make attacking changes as the hosts intensified their search for an equaliser.

Habibu Alakija was introduced for the injured Mohammed Umar, while Oche Bawa, Ugochukwu Leonard and Musa Yakubu were also brought on as the Solid Miners increased the pressure.

The changes eventually paid off in the 83rd minute when Alakija was brought down inside the Rivers United penalty area after turning away from his marker.

The referee pointed to the spot, allowing substitute Musa Yakubu to step forward and calmly convert the resulting penalty to restore parity.

Rivers United survived the late pressure to secure a point on the road, while Nasarawa United were left to rue their inability to make their earlier dominance count.

The draw leaves the Solid Miners with four points from four matches and in 13th position, while Rivers United moved to seven points and fourth place.

Nasarawa United will now face another demanding assignment when they travel to Ilorin for a midweek North-Central derby against Kwara United at 4 p.m.

Speaking after the match, Mbwas expressed disappointment at the result and claimed his team should have been awarded penalties earlier in the encounter.

“It was a well-balanced game, both sides expressed themselves. It was a kind of defensive error, we conceded the goal and we were able to come back.

“I’m not happy because of the scoreline, but I’ve seen a lot of improvements in my team.

“We kept on pressing until that error came, and after that error, we continued pressing,” he said.

Mbwas also maintained that Nasarawa United had strong claims for three penalties during the match.

“As far as I’m concerned, there were three penalties in our favour in this match. One in the first half — they pulled my player from the shoulder when he was clear on goal, and the other one, the player was fouled from behind in the box.

“However, till the last minute of the game, we were still pressing, but we were very, very unlucky not to get the three points.

“It was not what we bargained for — four points from four games is poor,” Mbwas said.

Rivers United coach Finidi George, meanwhile, praised his players for their discipline, resilience and tactical organisation in a difficult away fixture against the Solid Miners.

2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL Match Day 4: Yakubu Penalty Rescues Nasarawa United Against Rivers United

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