Solid Miners Reignite Continental Ambitions

Posted : 26 January 2026

Nasarawa United produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Abia Warriors 2–1 in Umuahia, a result that lifted the Solid Miners to second place on the NPFL table and revived their title and continental ambitions.

The Solid Miners defied the odds to stage a thrilling comeback from a first-half deficit, securing a hard-fought 2–1 away victory over Abia Warriors at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia State, on Matchday 22 of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Chukwuemeka Obioma gave the hosts the lead two minutes before halftime, capitalising on sustained pressure to put Abia Warriors ahead at the break. However, Nasarawa United responded emphatically after the interval, with substitute Habibu Alakija—who replaced the injured John Joshua—drawing level in the 47th minute before Jofrank Istifanus completed the turnaround eight minutes later.

Goalkeeper Darlinton Ovunda delivered a heroic performance between the posts, earning the Man-of-the-Match award for a series of decisive saves that swung the momentum in Nasarawa United’s favour. His display sparked jubilant scenes among the visiting players and officials, as the Solid Miners overcame stiff resistance to claim maximum points.

The encounter was also witnessed by the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, alongside the Chief Whip of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Larry Ven-Bawa, and the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Sports Affairs, Hamza Ibrahim Moyi.

The impressive result propelled Nasarawa United to second place on the NPFL standings with 38 points from 22 matches. Abia Warriors dropped to third with 39 points, trailing table leaders Rivers United, who sit atop the table with 41 points from 21 games.

The victory marked Nasarawa United’s first-ever league win against Abia Warriors in Umuahia and has reignited the Lafia-based club’s title and continental qualification push, with 16 matches still to play this season.

Attention now turns to a midweek home clash against Enyimba on Tuesday, January 28, before the Solid Miners travel to Bauchi to face Wikki Tourists on Sunday, February 1.

Reacting after the match, Nasarawa United head coach Mangut Mbwas praised his team’s resilience and mental strength. “It was a great win for us. We knew we had to regroup after conceding before halftime because a loss would have dragged us into a difficult position,” he said.

Mbwas also singled out goalkeeper Darlinton Ovunda for special praise. “He was exceptional, as he has always been. The saves he made today were massive and proved decisive in securing the victory,” the coach added.

Solid Miners Reignite Continental Ambitions

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