Nasarawa United defender Benson Acuna has made club and league history by becoming the first outfield player in the Nigeria Premier Football League to don the coveted No. 1 jersey traditionally reserved for goalkeepers. The accolade is symbolic, reflecting his standing as the team’s “solid rock” during a critical relegation battle.
Having recently joined the squad, Acuna has quickly integrated into the starting XI. His consistent performances at the back have offered stability during a turbulent period for the Solid Miners, who continue to fight for survival in the NPFL second half.
Fans and club insiders have lauded the statement both literal and figurative as dressing him in the No. 1 jersey breaks superstition and signals confidence from the coaching staff. Acuna has repaid that trust with composed defending and a calming presence in key fixtures.
Editorial
We view Benson Acuna’s adoption of the No. 1 jersey not as mere novelty, but as a mark of faith. In a situation where morale matters as much as tactics, this gesture sends a strong signal: the defenders are not just shielding goal—they define it.
Survival in the NPFL demands more than patched defence it requires leadership. By assigning Acuna the first shirt, the club demonstrates belief in his influence off the ball and mental fortitude. For him, this unusual honour carries responsibility, and he has responded by solidifying the backline under pressure.
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We believe symbolic acts can reshape inner team dynamics. That other defenders accepted this jersey number without hesitation shows unity. It also reassures supporters that the fightback is grounded in purpose, not panic.
What remains crucial now is translation will this confidence and cohesion lead to results? The fixture list ahead includes must-win games. Acuna and the defence must maintain focus and consistency for Nasarawa United to climb off the bottom.
If this act sparks collective belief, it will prove more valuable than any transfer signing. Sometimes, mentality changes the match. We sense Nasarawa United needed more than new names they needed conviction. Acuna’s jersey is emblematic of that shift.
Did You Know?
- Benson Acuna is believed to be the first outfield player in NPFL history to wear the No. 1 jersey, traditionally reserved for keepers.
- Nasarawa United are nicknamed the “Solid Miners” due to the state’s mineral-rich reputation.
- Lafia Township Stadium, their home ground, holds approximately 10,000 spectators.
- During the 2024–25 season, Nasarawa United occupied a precarious position near the relegation zone, prompting significant squad reinforcements in January.
- Historically, no NPFL defender had ever sought or received the No. 1 shirt making Acuna’s wearing it both culturally and statistically unprecedented in Nigerian top-flight football.
