NPFL26 Match-day 13: Nasarawa United Drops to 2nd After Grueling 1-1 Battle Against Kun Khalifat to Share points
Nasarawa United’s bid to maintain their top position in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) faced a setback as they were forced to share the points in a 1-1 draw against hosts Kun Khalifat FC on Match-day 13. The fixture, played on Sunday afternoon at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Imo State, saw a tough battle between the sides.
The visiting Solid Miners started strong, and their efforts paid off early. In the 14th minute, striker Anas Yusuf netted his fourth goal of the current campaign. Yusuf powered home a thunderbolt shot after receiving a decisive pass from teammate Ada Umar, giving Nasarawa United the slim lead. The visitors successfully held onto this 1-0 advantage going into the half-time interval.
However, the hosts intensified their pressure in the second half. Nasarawa United lost guard in the 65th minute when Otu Stanley capitalized on a poor defensive clearance, heading in the crucial equalizer for Kun Khalifat FC. The scoreline remained unchanged through to regulation time, with both sides settling for a single point each.
The draw had significant implications for the league standings. Nasarawa United dropped to the 2nd position but remain tied on twenty-four points with Ikorodu City FC of Lagos, separated only by superior goal difference. Conversely, the single point did little to help Kun Khalifat FC, who remain stuck in the red zone, placing sixteenth with thirteen points.
Post-match, Nasarawa United’s Coach Mangut Mbwas provided his reaction, noting, “I knew it’s going to be a tough game for us because the hosts lost last weekend here and would go all out to salvage their image.” He acknowledged that while their “early goal helped in destabilizing Kun Khalifat,” the hosts “came up stronger in the second half and were able to get the equalizer.” Mbwas also explained some of his second-half tactical changes, including replacing Ugochukwu Leonard due to exhaustion and noting that Anas Yusuf had become a target for defenders. He concluded by commending his players for a “great fight and earning a point.” The coach stated his team will now focus on working “hard and smart” to pick up the maximum points against El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri in their upcoming home match on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
