Anas Yusuf shines as Nasarawa United return to top spot

Nasarawa United returned to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday after a convincing 3–0 victory over struggling El-Kanemi Warriors, with in-form forward Anas Yusuf once again at the heart of the performance.

Playing at the Lafia City Stadium on match-day 14, the Solid Miners looked assured from start to finish as they continued their impressive push for a first league title in more than a decade.

Last season’s top scorer, Anas, set them on their way in the 38th minute, calmly converting from the penalty spot to give his side a deserved lead at halftime.

Barely a minute into the second half, the Nasarawa forward doubled the advantage, pouncing on a defensive mix-up to score his sixth goal of the current campaign.

The goal further deflated an El-Kanemi side already battling to keep pace, and it opened the door for teenage sensation Garba Mohammed to add the third with a composed finish just moments later—his third of the season.

With the victory, Nasarawa United moved to 27 points from 14 matches, three clear of second-placed Ikorodu City, who still have a game in hand.

The win also extended the Lafia club’s unbeaten run at home and reinforced their status as early-season title contenders in a campaign that has already produced surprising turns.

The team will head to Delta State next weekend for a tricky away fixture against eighth-placed Warri Wolves, who have proven tough to beat at home.

After the match, head coach Mangut Mbwas said he was pleased with the execution of their game plan. “I feel very excited. We planned to approach today’s game differently, and I am glad it paid off with multiple goals,” he said. He praised El-Kanemi for their effort but noted that his team would maintain the same level of focus when they travel to Ozoro. “Our next game will be taken as it comes… we hope to approach it with high hopes and expectations.”

Brace scorer Anas expressed delight at his growing influence this season. “I am overjoyed to have scored a brace today. We hope to continue in this form, going forward,” he said. His focus, he added, remains on helping Nasarawa United secure a continental ticket. “I thank our great supporters and fans who continue to rally around us.”

Other games

Elsewhere, Remo Stars continued their title defence push with a 2–0 win over Barau FC in Ikenne, Rangers edged Niger Tornadoes 1–0 in Enugu, and Wikki Tourists were held to a 1–1 draw by Bayelsa United. Kwara United and Shooting Stars battled to a goalless draw in Ilorin, while Abia Warriors and Bendel Insurance also shared the points with a 0–0 result.

Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat played out a 1–1 draw, while Plateau United’s home fixture against Rivers United was postponed.

Sunday’s Match-day 14 fixtures delivered only three home victories across the league, with fiercer battles anticipated in the weeks ahead.