Solid Miners edge city rivals Basira FC to retain Nasarawa FA Cup

Posted : 27 April 2026

The Solid Miners produced a moment of late resolve to defeat their city adversaries, FC Basira 1-0 in a gripping Nasarawa State Football Association President Federation's Cup final on Sunday afternoon at the Lafia City Stadium, securing back-to-back titles and sealing qualification for the National President Federation's Cup.

In a contest defined by tension rather than free-flowing football with rising sensation, Benjamin Oloche subbed in the 19th minute of the first half after pulling out his right shoulder after falling awkwardly.

The deadlock held until the 66th minute when constantly-improving midfielder, Habibu Alakija, benefitted from a pass from winger, Jofrank Istifanus, to strike a low ball that beat the grasp of FC Basira's goalkeeper, Abdulrazak Shehu.

The goal proved decisive in a match where margins were razor-thin and discipline proved costly.

The complexion of the tie, however, shifted dramatically in the closing stages, with John Joshua's goal cancelled out for offside and Captain of FC Basira, Babangida Mohammed being dismissed for a second bookable offence; already cautioned for dissent, the defender received his marching orders for unsporting behaviour following a cynical foul on a United player, reducing his side to ten men, while compounding his side's woes.

Despite their numerical deficit, FC Basira pressed fiercely in the closing minutes, with Ismail Kana calling the goalkeeper into forced saves, but a disciplined Nasarawa United's backline held firm to preserve a hard-earned clean sheet.

Sunday's result ensures Nasarawa United have won the single knockout competition a record 15 times, and retain the State FA Cup they won last year against the same foes, as they further confirmed their place in the National Challenge Cup final now renamed President Federation's Cup, alongside today's defeated finalists, FC Basira, who qualified by virtue of reaching the final.

Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, Salisu Usman Galadima, presented the giant trophy to the match-day captain of Nasarawa United FC, Abubakar Abdullahi.

Habibu Alakija emerged highest goalscorer of the State FA Cup with three goals, as Technical Adviser, Mangut Mbwas, praised his side's character.

"Cup finals are won by fine details. We stayed patient, stayed brave, and when the moment came we took it, even though we were forced to make an early change to one of our rising prospects, Benjamin Oloche. We pray he recovers quickly from his shoulder injury than earlier feared.

"To retain this trophy against our neighbours means everything to us and our great supporters and fans.

"We hope to replicate same attitude when we get into action at the National FA Cup", said Coach Mangut.

During the 2025 edition, the Solid Miners beat FC Basira 2-0 to clinch the State FA Cup, for the 14th time. The team have twice reached the final of the National Challenge Cup, in 2016 and 2021, ending twice as runners-up.

Nasarawa United's disciplined performance at the Lafia City Stadium underscores their continued dominance in the state’s football landscape. By securing their 15th title, the Solid Miners have set a high standard as they prepare for the national stage of the President Federation's Cup. Both teams now look forward to representing Nasarawa State with the hopes of bringing home national honors.

Solid Miners edge city rivals Basira FC to retain Nasarawa FA Cup

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