2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 30: Remo Stars Snatch Dramatic Late Win Over Nasarawa United in Ikenne

Posted : 16 March 2026

Remo Stars left it late to claim a dramatic 2–1 victory over a determined Nasarawa United side in their Matchday 30 clash of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Sunday.

The Sky Blue Stars capitalised on a late defensive lapse to secure all three points, despite facing a spirited Nasarawa United team that battled bravely for most of the contest with ten men.

Nasarawa United's challenge was complicated in the 38th minute when attacker Umar Ada received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card, leaving the visitors to play the remainder of the game a man short.

After a tightly contested first half, the home side finally broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute. A poorly handled corner kick by Nasarawa United goalkeeper Darlintin Ovunda fell kindly to Stanley Joseph, who reacted quickest to slot the ball home from close range and put Remo Stars ahead.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Solid Miners refused to back down and continued to search for a way back into the match. Their persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when teenage substitute Suleiman Dxauda announced himself in style, calmly finishing to score his first league goal since making his debut earlier in the season.

Just when it appeared both sides would share the spoils, Remo Stars delivered the decisive blow. Former Nasarawa United forward Michael Ibeh emerged as the match winner in the closing moments, firing home in the 89th minute to restore the hosts' lead and break the hearts of the travelling side.

The defeat was a bitter one for Nasarawa United, who had looked set to leave Ikenne with a valuable point after their spirited second-half comeback.

Despite the loss, the Solid Miners remain third on the NPFL standings with 47 points, maintaining a comfortable 14-point gap over Remo Stars, who continue their battle near the bottom of the table in 19th position with 33 points.

Speaking after the match, Nasarawa United head coach Mangut Mbwas praised his players for their fighting spirit, noting that the early red card made the contest particularly difficult.

"I am not really disappointed because we played almost the entire game with a man down after the red card," Mbwas said.

"I give credit to my boys for their bravery and resilience. We managed to equalise but conceded late. That is football."

Mbwas added that his team would quickly shift focus to their next fixture against league leaders Rivers United, which will take place in Lafia next weekend.

"We will regroup and prepare well for the next game. There are still eight matches left in the season, and we will keep fighting to finish among the top two teams," he stated.

Several top officials from Nasarawa State were present at the stadium to support the team, including the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, the House of Assembly Chief Whip, Larry Ven-Bawa, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Affairs, Hamza Moyi, alongside members of the club's board led by Solomon Babanjah.

Michael Ibeh's 89th-minute strike proved the defining moment of a gripping Matchday 30 contest, as Remo Stars claimed a hard-fought 2–1 win over a gallant Nasarawa United side that had battled with ten men for over fifty minutes.

Teenager Suleiman Dxauda's equaliser had threatened to earn the Solid Miners a deserved point, but Ibeh's late intervention settled the tie in favour of the hosts.

Nasarawa United will now regroup quickly, with a crucial clash against league leaders Rivers United in Lafia next weekend keeping their top-two ambitions firmly in focus.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 30: Remo Stars Snatch Dramatic Late Win Over Nasarawa United in Ikenne

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