2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 35: Unstoppable Anas boosts Nasarawa United's survival goal with 16 goal-record

Posted : 28 April 2025

The Solid Miners secured a crucial 1-0 win in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 35 encounter against Owerri-based Heartland FC on Sunday afternoon at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe, further brightening their survival hopes with three matches left to play before the 2024/25 campaign concludes.

The solitary goal was scored by the league's leading goalscorer, Anas Yusuf, whose solo effort sailed past the Naze Millionaires' goalkeeper, Kelvin Ogunga, after being set up by Ugochukwu Leonard in the 44th minute of the first half, marking his 16th goal of the current campaign.

Despite the challenges of playing away from their original home ground due to the ban imposed by the League's organizers, Nasarawa United showed remarkable spirit and hunger for success, securing the win against the five-time Premier League champions, who are now relegation-threatened.

United thought they had increased the goal tally in the 79th minute, but Anas Yusuf's second goal of the afternoon was disallowed, with the match officials ruling the attacker offside.

Undeterred by the cancellation, the hosts held firm to secure a fourth straight home win, following previous victories against Akwa United, Plateau United, and Rangers International FC in Lafia.

The result lifts the Solid Miners to 13th position on the table with 46 points, while the Coach Emmanuel Amunike-led Heartland's woes continue, as they remain in 17th position with 42 points.

Nasarawa United's journey to survival continues as they prepare for the next challenge with renewed energy and determination when they travel to Enugu on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, to face already relegated Lobi Stars in a clash of neighboring teams.

Before that, the team will undertake a long road journey to Benin City, Edo State, where they will face Abakaliki United of Ebonyi State in the Quarterfinals of the 2025 President Federation's Cup, scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

In a related development, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, in his usual generosity and morale-boosting incentive to the team, rewarded Nasarawa United with N150,000 for their heroic performance against the Naze Millionaires in Gombe. This gesture is the Commissioner's personal support per goal scored in any official game Nasarawa United participates in since his assumption of office.

Kwanta led a high-profile delegation to Gombe to cheer the Solid Miners to victory. He and his team were received by the Chairman of Nasarawa United, Solomon Babanjah.

Coach Salisu Yusuf praised his team for the much-needed win.

"This win is a significant morale booster for our team, and we are proud of every player's effort.

"With three matches remaining before the League comes to an end, we are focused on taking it one game at a time and pushing for every point possible.

"Our warmest gratitude to the sports stakeholders in Gombe State, including the State Government, Gombe State Football Association, the combined forces of Gombe United FC and Doma United FC, their wonderful Supporters' Clubs, the local media, and many more too numerous to mention.

"We are overwhelmed by the massive support and solidarity shown to us. This feels like home away from home for us.

"As long as we are here, we will continue to reward their support for us and the good people of Nasarawa State."

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 35: Unstoppable Anas boosts Nasarawa United's survival goal with 16 goal-record

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