NPFL: Cash Boost For Nasarawa United Following Big Win Over Rivers United

NPFL: Cash Boost For Nasarawa United Following Big Win Over Rivers United

By Niyi Busari 

Nasarawa United delivered a commanding performance to defeat Rivers United 4–1 in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 31 fixture at the Lafia City Stadium on Monday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The result marked Nasarawa United’s biggest win of the season and strengthened their push near the top of the table.

The hosts made a blistering start, with Ngei Oluka-Efor opening the scoring in the third minute, finishing a left-footed volley from a cross by Sam Pam. Just three minutes later, Abubakar Abdullahi doubled the advantage, heading home from a delivery by Ifeanyi Okechukwu.

Nasarawa United extended their lead in the 15th minute when Chimezie Victor curled in a superb effort after being set up by John Joshua.

Rivers United pulled one back in the 24th minute through Taiwo Abdulrafiu, who converted a free-kick to make it 3–1 at half-time.

However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the second half, as Jofrank Istifanus sealed the victory with a composed finish in the 58th minute, handing Rivers United their heaviest defeat in this fixture.

The win moves Nasarawa United up to third place on the NPFL table with 50 points, two behind Rivers United and four adrift of leaders Enugu Rangers.

Nasarawa United will next travel to Lagos to face Kwara United as the season approaches its decisive stages.

Governor Rewards Team

In the aftermath of the victory, Abdullahi Sule rewarded the team with a financial incentive, pledging ₦1 million for each goal scored, amounting to a total of ₦4 million.

The gesture, announced shortly after the match, was described as part of the governor’s support for the team and in celebration of Eid il-Fitr.

Additionally, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, had earlier presented ₦2 million to the team to boost morale ahead of the match.

Post-Match Reaction

Head coach Mangut Mbwas praised his players’ clinical display, noting that the team could have scored more goals given the number of chances created.

“We knew the importance of goals at this stage of the season, and the players executed our plans well,” he said.

Goalscorer Chimezie Victor described the result as a significant boost in the team’s campaign, while Istifanus expressed his desire to maintain his scoring form as the season progresses.