Nasarawa United remain top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table despite suffering a 2–0 defeat to Ikorodu City in their match-day nine fixture at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, on Sunday evening.
Goals from Chidera Oparaocha in the 13th minute and Joseph Arumala in the 68th minute handed the Lagos-based side a deserved victory, condemning the Solid Miners to their second defeat of the 2025/26 season.
Despite the setback, Nasarawa United still lead the NPFL standings with 19 points, four points ahead of second-placed Shooting Stars, who have 15 points.
The Solid Miners created several chances through Anas Yusuf, Garba Mohammed, Jofrank Istifanus, and Ekeson Okorie, but Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata and the woodwork kept them at bay.
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, led a government delegation to cheer the team from the stands.
Speaking after the match, Nasarawa United head coach Mangut Mbwas admitted that his team started slowly but promised a strong comeback in subsequent fixtures.
“This is not what we planned for today. We came here highly motivated, but we couldn’t convert our chances. The league is a marathon with ups and downs, and today was one of those days. We’ll regroup and return to winning ways,” he said.
The Solid Miners will be on standby next weekend as their next opponents, Remo Stars, will be engaged in a CAF Champions League assignment in South Africa.
