2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 37: Salisu Yusuf completes Nasarawa United FC's comeback with a win over Enyimba International FC

Posted : 12 May 2025

In an electrifying Match Day 37 clash, the Solid Miners confirmed their spot in next season's Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a breathtaking 3-2 victory over nine-time league champions, Enyimba FC, at their makeshift home ground, the Pantami Stadium, Gombe, on Sunday afternoon.

Shina Kumater gave United an early lead in the 6th minute after latching onto a rebound, before Anas Yusuf scored from the spot in the 30th minute following a foul on him by Ekene Awazie inside the box—his 18th goal of the campaign.

Enyimba, however, reduced the deficit after Utake Emmanuel scored an own goal in the 33rd minute, but the scoreline remained 2-1 in favor of the hosts until both sides headed into the break.

It was game on in the 62nd minute when Chikamso Okechukwu leveled the score from the spot for the Aba Elephants.

Unperturbed by the situation, United went ahead again courtesy of returning striker Idris Ajiya in the 65th minute—a goal that would eventually confirm the Lafia-based side’s top-flight status for next season, with a game to spare.

Sunday’s result sees the Solid Miners leapfrog to 9th position with 52 points from 37 games, just two points behind two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC, who are in 6th.

In a related development, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has redeemed his pledge of two million naira to Nasarawa United.

The Governor made the pledge after the Solid Miners came from behind to beat Lobi Stars 2-1 in Enugu four days ago.

The State's Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, presented the redeemed pledge to the club’s chairman, Solomon Babanjah, before the game between Nasarawa United and Enyimba FC at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe.

Nasarawa United will wait another two weeks before facing another former league winner, Rivers United, in Port Harcourt, in the final game of the season.

Coach Salisu Yusuf of Nasarawa United said: “Wow, this is a great result for us, especially when you play against a big team like Enyimba, who were eyeing a continental ticket here—even though we were more than determined to cement our status in the Premier League next season.

“Today’s game was what would determine our stay in the league, because our last game of the season will be against another strong opposition away from home.

“We played very well in the first half and scored two goals, even though Enyimba both defended and attacked effectively, and later reduced the deficit after we scored against ourselves.

“However, we fought back, scored again, and we won 3-2.

“For now, the job is done, mission accomplished, and we thank God for everything.”

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 37: Salisu Yusuf completes Nasarawa United FC's comeback with a win over Enyimba International FC

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