Nasarawa United Reclaim Top Spot After 2-1 Win over Remo Stars

Nasarawa United broke a spell of two consecutive defeats by turning in a 2-1 victory against Remo Stars in Matchday 11 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The match, held at Lafia Township Stadium, saw the visitors take an early lead when Michael Ibrahim (sometimes cited as Michael Ibeh) found the net in the 5th minute. However, the hosts responded through John Joshua, who pulled the score level before half-time. In the 79th minute, Jofrank Istifanus struck the winning goal to secure maximum points for Nasarawa United.

With the victory, Nasarawa United moved to 22 points and reclaimed the summit of the NPFL table. Meanwhile, Remo Stars remained in 17th place on 10 points.

Following the match, Nasarawa’s Technical Adviser, Mbwas Mangut, expressed relief and emphasised the difficulty of the league, stating that the team must remain serious and dedicated every game.

Editorial

In a league that often oscillates between the predictable and the chaotic, Nasarawa United’s comeback stands out as a statement rather than simply a restoration of form. At a moment when two successive defeats could have unsettled their trajectory, the Solid Miners instead showed temperament, transformation and timing.

Their early concession, via an almost premature lapse, might have signalled dread for those familiar with their recent wobble. But Tactics and character, rather than panic, prevailed. John Joshua’s equaliser restored calm. Jofrank Istifanus’ strike then did more than win the match it reaffirmed the identity of a side capable of climbing.

What is especially significant is the broader context: Nasarawa reclaiming first place in a 2025-26 NPFL season rapidly becoming defined by narrow margins and sudden shifts. In that climate, consistency is rare regaining altitude is notable. The coaching staff deserve recognition for their capacity to react, recalibrate and execute. But equally, the players must shoulder their credit the resilience to absorb pressure and deliver.

For Remo Stars, the defending champions, the loss is more than a dropped two points. It is a reminder of how quickly narratives change. Dominance is not guaranteed. The margin between chasing and being chased can turn in a single match. They may console themselves with the quality of chances missed, but the ledger does not lie.

In Nigerian football the theme right now is not just talent but structure not just ambition but stability. Nasarawa United’s reset swift, clean, effective offers a path others may follow. Their win is a sign not just of potential realised, but of momentum regained. The challenge now will be to preserve it. Because in the NPFL’s shifting sands, staying atop is far more intricate than climbing up.

Did You Know?

1. Nasarawa United are nicknamed the “Solid Miners” a nod to the state’s mining industry heritage.
2. Remo Stars, by winning the 2024-25 NPFL title, became the first club from Nigeria’s South-West region to lift the trophy since 2000.
3. The field at Lafia Township Stadium has seldom hosted a league opener but it has now become the stage for Nasarawa’s return to the summit.
4. In their last six league matches prior to this game, Nasarawa United had won four of them, showing a run of good form despite recent setbacks.
5. According to available statistics, Remo Stars were winless in five of their last six NPFL outings entering this match, highlighting the severity of their recent slump.