Nasarawa United Shock Bendel Insurance In Benin To Extend NPFL Lead
3 min read
By Sedara Philip
Nasarawa United FC extended their impressive run in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a dramatic 1–0 away victory over Bendel Insurance on Matchday 7 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday evening.
The Solid Miners once again showed grit and determination, grinding out an important win to maintain their position at the top of the NPFL table.
Super substitute Garba Mohammed came off the bench on the hour mark and struck the decisive goal four minutes into stoppage time, sealing all three points for Nasarawa United and silencing the home fans.
The 19-year-old winger’s goal — his second of the season — also marked Nasarawa United’s second consecutive away victory, following their 2–1 triumph over Bayelsa United in Yenagoa a fortnight ago.
With this win, the Solid Miners remain unbeaten in six of their seven games so far this campaign, boasting five wins, one draw, and just one loss. They now sit firmly atop the NPFL standings with 16 points, four points clear of second-placed Enyimba FC, who have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance, nicknamed The Benin Arsenal, slipped dangerously close to the relegation zone with only six points from seven matches.
The team’s spirited display in Benin did not go unnoticed, as players and officials received cash rewards immediately after the match.
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, gifted the squad ₦500,000, while Club Chairman Solomon Babanjah and dedicated supporter Mr. Peter “Pepsy” Anyebe each contributed ₦200,000 to boost morale.
The gesture further reflected the growing belief around the team’s title ambitions this season.
Coach Mangut Mbwas (Nasarawa United Head Coach):
“It’s a thing of joy to get the maximum points, either home or away.
Bendel Insurance came out very strong after their home draw last weekend, but we stood firm and got the goal in extra time.
I’m proud of the boys — they showed great discipline and belief.
We started slowly but improved as the game progressed, and the substitutions we made in the second half changed everything.”
The coach also credited the team’s motivation to the support received from the state government, club management, and fans.
> “We are inspired by our sports-loving Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the Commissioner for Sports, and our management team. The support from everyone keeps us going.
As for our next match against Rangers, we’ll give it the respect it deserves and hope to maintain this momentum.”
Garba Mohammed (Goal Scorer, Nasarawa United):
“Coming off the bench to score the winning goal makes me really happy. I promised my teammates that if I got a chance, I would score — and I did.
I love playing on natural grass, and the Sam Ogbemudia pitch was perfect for me.
This win means a lot for our ambition. We want to keep winning and fight for a continental ticket at the end of the season.”
Nasarawa United will return to Lafia City Stadium to host Rangers International of Enugu on Sunday, October 12, 2025, by 4:00 p.m., before travelling to Lagos the following week to face Ikorodu City FC.
With confidence high and momentum on their side, the Solid Miners are looking increasingly like serious title contenders in this NPFL campaign.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
