NPFL Heartbreak: Nasarawa United Suffer Last-Gasp Derby Defeat To Kwara United
In football, the finest margins often separate relief from heartbreak, and for Nasarawa United, Saturday’s North Central derby delivered the cruellest possible ending.
The Solid Miners were left stunned after Kwara United snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory with virtually the last kick of the game in their rescheduled NPFL match-day 32 clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
After a fiercely contested encounter had appeared destined to end goalless, the hosts were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time following a challenge in the box.
Substitute Abdulsalam Abdulsalam kept his composure to convert from the spot in the 90+5th minute, sealing all three points for the Harmony Boys and leaving Nasarawa United FC empty-handed.
The decisive moment came after a defensive lapse by the visitors, with the referee adjudging Chidera Nduka to have brought down his opponent despite protests from the Nasarawa players.
Despite the painful defeat, Nasarawa United remain third on the NPFL table with 50 points, while Kwara United climbed to 18th with 36 points.
Speaking after the match, Nasarawa United coach Mangut Mbwas described the result as deeply disappointing.
“We are all pained by this result today. A draw was the worst we had envisaged, but sometimes you get hit by the cruel side of the round leather game.”
He, however, insisted that the team remains focused on its season targets as attention shifts to their next fixture at home in Lafia against Kun Khalifat FC.
For the Solid Miners, the mission now is clear: turn pain into response and restore confidence in front of their loyal supporters.
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