14/09/2025
Defensive Error Costs Wikki as Nasarawa Claim Vital Win
The Giant Elephants put up a brave fight in Lafia but fell to a narrow defeat against Nasarawa United.
Both teams started brightly, with Wikki Tourists trying to control the midfield through Ndala and Klinshak, while Nasarawa United made use of their pacey wingers to stretch the game. The deadlock was broken in the 37th minute when Garba Muhammad pounced on a defensive lapse to give the home side the lead. The first half ended 1-0.
The second half was more intense as both sides pushed hard for goals. Last seasonâs top scorer, Anas Yusuf, came on to add firepower for Nasarawa, but Wikkiâs defense held firm against his threat. The visitors also made midfield changes to regain control, yet the match ended with Nasarawa United holding onto their slender advantage.
After the match, Wikki coach Abdul Maikaba praised his playersâ effort, saying they were unlucky to concede from an error. He admitted Nasarawa were a strong side but promised to correct the lapses before their next trip to Katsina United.
Nasarawa Unitedâs head coach, Mangut Mbwas, was full of praise for his teamâs resilience. On leaving Anas Yusuf on the bench, he explained the striker had just returned from national team duty and needed time to regain full fitness.
The defeat saw Wikki drop from second to fourth on the NPFL table, while Nasarawa climbed to fifth with the win. Elsewhere, Enyimba moved to the summit after a convincing 2-0 victory over Bayelsa United, while Remo Stars slipped to sixth following a 2-0 defeat to Plateau United.
Looking ahead, Wikki Tourists will travel to Katsina to face the Chanji Boys on Matchday Five, while Nasarawa United head south for a clash with Bayelsa United.
Nasiru ibrahim