Late drama defines NPFL actions as Kwara United snatch vital win, Plateau United rescue point in Benin
Matchday drama took centre stage in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Saturday, as Kwara United struck at the death to secure a priceless victory, while Plateau United showed resilience to claw back a draw against Bendel Insurance in Benin.
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, tension lingered deep into stoppage time before Kwara United finally found their breakthrough in a narrow but significant 1-0 win over Nasarawa United.
The Harmony Boys had set the tone early, with Babatunde Bright at the heart of their attacking intent. A swift free-kick in the opening minutes and a flurry of corners signalled their urgency, but Nasarawa’s defence stood firm. Bright came closest before the break, his header narrowly missing the target as both sides went into halftime deadlocked.
The second half offered more of the same Kwara probing, Nasarawa resisting. As the clock ticked down, it seemed the hosts would be left frustrated. But in the 92nd minute, the game turned. Abdulsalam Abdulsalam was brought down in the box, and moments later, he kept his composure to convert from the spot, sealing a dramatic late winner.
The result breathes life into Kwara United’s survival hopes, lifting them to 18th on 36 points with six games remaining. For Nasarawa United, still third on 50 points, it’s a stumble in their push for continental qualification.
In Benin City, it was a different kind of drama.
Plateau United twice came from behind to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The hosts struck first through Alex Oweifaleya in the 14th minute, setting the tone for a fiercely contested encounter.
Plateau responded just before halftime, with Gideon Monday rising from a corner to restore parity. Insurance regained control in the 65th minute, edging ahead once more and seemingly on course for all three points.
But the visitors had the final say.
Deep into stoppage time, Plateau were awarded a penalty, and Temitope Vincent stepped up to convert, rescuing a crucial point and ensuring the spoils were shared.
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