Nasarawa United secured a dramatic victory over Bayelsa United in the Round of 16 of the 2025 President’s Federation Cup, triumphing 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a pulsating 1-1 draw in regulation time, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.
The match, played on Wednesday morning at the Late Prince Abubakar Audu University Stadium in Anyigba, Kogi State, served as sweet revenge for the Solid Miners, who had lost to Bayelsa in the 2021 final.
Both sides were evenly matched and created numerous chances in a thrilling encounter. Nasarawa United struck first in the 49th minute through Anas Yusuf, who calmly converted a penalty after Shina Kumater was brought down inside the box. Bayelsa United responded just 12 minutes later when Yahaya Ibrahim slotted home the equalizer in the 61st minute.
With the match tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the contest went to a penalty shootout. Nasarawa United showed nerves of steel, converting all five of their kicks through Kabir Balogun, Utake Emmanuel, Salomon Chigoziem, Jack Benjamin, and Manga Mohammed.
The turning point came when Nasarawa goalkeeper Detan Ogundare saved Isa Owoyemi’s effort, sealing the win for the Solid Miners.
The result sees Nasarawa United progress to the quarter-finals of Nigeria’s longest-running inter-club competition. With two Federation Cup final appearances in the past decade, the Lafia-based side will be eager to continue their push for a third.
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