By Eche Amos, Umuahia

A former Independent Governorship Candidate in Nasarawa State and a stalwart supporter of the Solid Miners, Barr.  Haruna Favour Iliyasu, on Saturday made an impromptu appearance at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia State, where Nasarawa United had their last tune-up exercise before their match-day 22 clash against hosts, Abia Warriors, tomorrow, Sunday, 25th January, 2026.

Addressing the team members shortly after their training session, Barr. Haruna who is currently attending an official function in Abia State, said he decided to visit the team to inject an electrifying dose of motivation as they gear up for their highly anticipated league game against Abia Warriors on Sunday.

“I am here to lend my support to you ahead of tomorrow’s clash against a tough opposition, Abia Warriors. The mantle of greatness beckons, and it is time for you to answer the call with an unshakeable faith in your ability to deliver on the task.

“This is more than just a game, you know; it is a crusade, a battle for supremacy, and I am so honoured to be part of it”, he declared.

The Legal Adviser of the Nasarawa State Football Association, in his magnanimity, made a financial donation of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) to the team, stating;

“I am in Abia State for a different cause, but when I learnt from the Club’s Director of Media and my friend, Mr. Eche Amos, that you people are in town for a league game, so, I decided to briefly come and identify with you. This is my widow’s mite to you, with the hope that you would be further motivated to return home with success at the end of the game.

“The Nasarawa State Government has been overburdened with a lot of responsibilities, so much so that, private individuals and businesses should make it a duty to lend a supporting hand to make Nasarawa United and sports generally succeed in the State.

“It is not always about criticizing the team when results don’t go their way. It also has to do with the kind of support we give to them (players and staff) when they are either down or making progress.

“Thank you for the warm reception you have accorded to me. I wish you all the best in the remaining part of this league campaign.”

In response, members of the team appreciated the supporter for his visit and generosity, assuring him and supporters of the team around the world of leaving nothing to chance to return home with a decent result on Sunday.

The Abia Warriors versus Nasarawa United match-day 22 fixture promises to be a nail-biter, but the Solid Miners’ gaffer, Mangut Mbwas, said his side is confident of proving their worth in the league.

Kick-off time for Sunday’s clash between the two sides is slated for 4pm on natural turf, and will be televised live via the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) dedicated Propel Sports Channel.

The first-leg of the encounter ended 1-0 in Lafia on 31st August, 2025 with Ugochukwu Leonard scoring the decider, while the last visit of the Solid Miners to the South-Eastern opposition’s venue ended in a 1-1 draw, during the 2024/25 season.