Nasarawa United’s push for a top-three finish in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) suffered a setback on Saturday after a late 1-0 defeat to Kwara United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. The loss, inflicted by a stoppage-time penalty, leaves the Solid Miners vulnerable in the league standings with one round of matches remaining.
The match remained goalless until deep into injury time when Kwara United’s Abdulsalam Abdulsalam converted a penalty to secure all three points for the visitors. The decisive goal, awarded in the final minutes, denied Nasarawa United a share of the spoils and shifted momentum in the tight race for continental qualification spots.
Technical adviser Mbwas Mangut voiced his disappointment in post-match remarks, citing frustration over the timing of the concession. “We are all pained by this result today,” Mangut said. “We had given this game our all from the blast of the whistle, only to be let down in the dying minutes. A draw was the worst we had envisaged, but sometimes, you get hit by the cruel side of the round leather game.” His comments reflect a team that appeared poised to earn at least a point before the late twist.
Nasarawa United remain in third place on 58 points, but their position is now at risk pending the outcome of the final matchday. A top-three finish typically qualifies a club for the CAF Confederation Cup, making the result in Lagos particularly costly. With rivals still able to surpass them, the Lafia-based side must now rely on other results falling in their favour while preparing for their last fixture.
The Solid Miners will host Kun Khalifat FC in their season finale, a game that offers a chance to salvage their campaign and secure the continental berth that appeared within reach before Saturday’s late collapse. For Mangut and his players, the focus is now on responding positively to ensure the disappointment in Lagos does not define their overall season performance.
