Nasarawa United will look to strengthen their grip atop the Nigeria Premier Football League when they welcome Kwara United to Lafia City Stadium on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The Solid Miners reclaimed first place after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over reigning champions Remo Stars midweek, but their lead is slim, with Abia Warriors trailing by just one point.

Coach Mbwas Mangut insists his side will approach the fixture with focus and intensity, aware that any slip could allow their title rivals to close the gap.

The North Central Derby is more than just a battle for points. Nasarawa United have enjoyed a strong run of form, winning six of their last nine league outings, including victories over Enugu Rangers, Bendel Insurance, Katsina United, Bayelsa United, Wikki Tourists, and Remo Stars.

Their only setbacks came in losses to Rivers United and Ikorodu City, while they shared a goalless draw with Enyimba. Home advantage will be key for the Solid Miners, who have consistently shown resilience and attacking fluidity at the Lafia City Stadium.

Kwara United, meanwhile, are experiencing a revival under Technical Adviser Ashifat Suleiman. Known for his creativity-driven, possession-based style, Suleiman has transformed the Harmony Boys into a team capable of challenging stronger opponents.

Kwara have recorded three wins, two draws, and suffered two losses in their last seven outings. Their notable victories include a 3–1 win over Remo Stars, a 2–1 triumph against Plateau United, and a narrow 1–0 win over Katsina United, while draws against Wikki Tourists and Enugu Rangers have underlined their growing consistency.

The team faces injury concerns with winger Issa Gata and midfielder Akanni Akeem sidelined, but Suleiman remains confident his squad can rise to the occasion against the league leaders.

Coach Mangut stressed the importance of taking each opponent seriously, noting, “We believe that we will improve more in our next game against Kwara United, even though we know that the league is getting tougher.

“Our game against Kwara is a different ball game in its entirety. We will approach the game with a different mindset because the next opponents are also a good side.”

The coach added that the team would continue to give their utmost effort on the pitch, aiming to secure positive results and build momentum as they head into a congested December schedule.

“We want to remain in contention in the league this season, which is why we are not taking any game lightly. We will continue to give our best to get the desired results,” he said.

Both teams will also be aware of the psychological edge in such a rivalry.

Nasarawa United’s consistency has earned them respect across the NPFL, but Kwara United’s recent improvement and managerial shift have made them a dangerous opponent. With the Solid Miners leading the table on 22 points from 11 games and the Harmony Boys sitting eighth with 16 points, the stakes are high.

A win for Nasarawa will consolidate their top position, while a positive result for Kwara could propel them into the top half of the table and give their continental ambitions fresh impetus.

With bragging rights, league points, and momentum on the line, the Lafia City Stadium is set for an enthralling encounter between two sides with contrasting objectives but equal determination to succeed.