NASARAWA UNITED 0
KUN KHALIFAT 1
Otu 95
By Our Man in Lafia
THE title race in the Nigeria Premier Football League was blown wide open last night as bottom-feeders Kun Khalifat pulled off the shock of the season.
In a script that even Hollywood would find a bit much, relegation-threatened Kun Khalifat marched into the Lion’s Den in Lafia and walked out with all three points, leaving Nasarawa United’s title dreams in tatters.
The “Solid Miners” looked anything but solid as they huffed and puffed for 90 minutes, unable to find a way past a Kun Khalifat side that has spent most of the season propping up the table.
Nasarawa’s big guns, including the dangerous King Osanga and midfield engine Habibu Alakija, were kept under lock and key by a resilient visiting defence. Every time the home side thought they had a breakthrough, they found a wall of blue and white in their way.
But the real drama was saved for the very last kick of the game.
With the clock ticking into the 95th minute and the home fans already heading for the exits satisfied with a point, super-sub S.N. Otu became the hero of the hour.
The Kun Khalifat star found himself in the right place at the right time to poke home a dramatic winner, sparking scenes of wild celebration on the away bench.
For Nasarawa United, this was a disaster. They remain stuck in 4th place on 50 points, watching the gap to the leaders grow when it should have been closing.
Meanwhile, Kun Khalifat—who recently overhauled their squad with 12 new signings in January—proved there is still life in the old dog yet. Though they remain at the foot of the NPFL, this result sends a clear message: They aren’t going down without a fight.
NASARAWA UNITED: Ovunda, Ojo, Victor Ekioke, Alakija, Osanga, Chimezie, Ugochukwu.
KUN KHALIFAT: Nkwazema, Ogu, James, Oghenetega, Ekebuike, Otu.
