Nasarawa United Extends Dominant Run with 2-1 Comeback Over Enugu Rangers, Tightens Grip at NPFL Summit

LAFIA, Nigeria — On an afternoon heavy with anticipation and October sun at Lafia Township Stadium, Nasarawa United cemented their intent as genuine title contenders, overturning an early deficit to claim a measured 2-1 victory over Enugu Rangers. The result stretched Nasarawa’s unbeaten streak to six matches and confirmed their status as one of the Nigeria Professional Football League’s most cohesive and clinical units.

The contest, billed as a clash between two of the league's in-form sides, did not disappoint in drama or narrative arc. Enugu Rangers, fresh off an authoritative 2-0 win over Abia Warriors, struck first—seizing the initiative in the 19th minute with a counter-attacking sequence that split the Nasarawa back line wide. The ball rocketed into the bottom corner, silencing the home faithful and suggesting the visitors’ recent momentum might carry them further up the standings.

But if Enugu’s goal introduced doubt, Nasarawa’s answer was a masterclass in collective resolve. The home side gradually reasserted control, applying pressure through flurries of possession and edge-of-the-area forays. Their persistence paid dividends in the 32nd minute: a sweeping move from the right culminated in a low cross that was lashed past the Rangers goalkeeper, restoring parity and reenergizing the Lafia crowd.

The second half unfolded with the same intensity—tackles were measured yet forceful, possession exchanged with care, and both benches animated by the stakes. Nasarawa, with a buoyancy borne of recent form, found a breakthrough on 62 minutes. A set-piece delivered with pinpoint accuracy caused disorder in the Rangers box, and after a scramble, the hosts bundled the ball over the line for their second of the day. The eruption that followed was as much about relief as elation; a statement that this recent run is no fluke.

Enugu Rangers, facing a rare deficit, pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages. Their efforts nearly yielded results in the 78th and 85th minutes—one effort forcing a sharp save, another glancing just wide. Yet Nasarawa, as they have throughout this now-six-match unbeaten run, displayed discipline and organization, weathering each challenge and managing the clock expertly.

This result not only underscores Nasarawa United’s ascendancy—four wins and a draw in their last five matches—it also establishes daylight between them and the chasing pack. While full standings are yet to be finalized for the match week, the victory keeps Nasarawa firmly entrenched near the top, putting pressure on rivals and building a sense of inevitability around their campaign.

For Enugu Rangers, the defeat is a setback but not a crisis. Entering the day just behind Nasarawa in the standings, and with three wins from their last five, Rangers have shown they can compete with the league's best. The manner of their start in Lafia, and the late chances created, will offer head coach and supporters alike some solace—and motivation for the fixtures ahead.

In recent years, the head-to-head between these sides has often tipped Nasarawa’s way on home soil, and today’s encounter followed that familiar script. Yet the margin of victory, and the nature of the comeback, carries particular resonance this season, where every point may prove precious in a campaign defined by narrow margins and shifting hierarchies.

There were no red cards or moments of hot-headedness—just two committed teams matching each other stride for stride, until Nasarawa’s craft in the critical third proved decisive. The technical staff on both benches, animated and vocal, know that October is too early for laurels or despair, and that the NPFL—never short on twists—has more stories to write.

Looking ahead, Nasarawa United face a stretch of fixtures that will test their composure atop the table. They have turned Lafia Township Stadium into a fortress and now carry momentum into battles with other contenders. Enugu Rangers, meanwhile, must regroup quickly, seeking to recapture their early-season verve as the race for the top grows ever tighter.

In Lafia, as the final whistle echoed and players exchanged embraces, it was Nasarawa who walked off with three points—and perhaps, the growing belief that this might be their season after all.