Nasarawa United’s Mangut Mbwas Applauds Resilience After Rangers Comeback Win

Nasarawa United head coach Mangut Mbwas applauded his squad for their gritty performance after they overturned a 1–0 deficit to beat Enugu Rangers 2–1 on Sunday in Lafia. The result stretched the Solid Miners’ unbeaten run to five matches in the 2025/26 NPFL season.

The win moved Nasarawa United to 19 points from eight games, placing them top of the league table by a four‑point margin over Abia Warriors.

Speaking after the match, Mbwas commended his players for their determination, focus, and tactical discipline. He acknowledged that the first half was challenging but said the team regrouped well in the second. “The reaction from my boys was positive, and we got the second goal that sealed the win,” he noted.

Mbwas also discussed some contentious refereeing matters, stating “We had some penalty calls that didn’t go our way, but the referee is human, and his decisions are final. We respect that.”

He emphasised that goal‑scoring responsibilities are shared across the squad: “We have different goalscorers in my team because we don’t rely on one player. We train everyone to be a goalscorer — it makes the job easier.”

Looking ahead to their next fixture away at Ikorodu City in Lagos, Mbwas expressed confidence but also raised concerns about travel logistics and player fatigue.

While speculation about continental qualification looms, Mbwas insisted the team’s current focus is on maintaining consistency. “The league is still fresh … Our target is to remain among the top three by the end of the campaign,” he said.

Editorial

We observe that Nasarawa United’s recent climb reflects much more than a strong start to the season it reveals the power of collective belief and smart coaching. When a team can absorb early pressure, adapt, and close out tight games, it demonstrates readiness to challenge the established order.

We believe the testament to their strength lies not merely in wins but in how those wins came. Losing first to Enugu Rangers could have broken lesser squads but instead, Mbwas’s men displayed composure and resilience. It is that mental toughness, instilled throughout training and leadership, that differentiates title challengers from mid‑table also‑rans.

We also note that sharing the burden of scoring is a wise strategy. Relying on one star player may bring short‑term gains, but long‑term sustainability requires that multiple players contribute. Mbwas’s insistence on developing goalscoring across the squad broadens threats for opponents and mitigates risk when injuries or form dips occur.

Travel, fatigue, and refereeing calls will always feature in the conversations around NPFL. Yet Nasarawa United’s posture—to acknowledge challenges without making excuses—suggests maturity. Consistency in performance, especially on the road, often separates contenders in leagues like ours.

We expect that maintaining this momentum will demand discipline, depth, and focus. If Nasarawa United keep negotiating the tight moments with the same resolve, they will not merely stay among the top three but may well dictate the pace of the championship. We believe this season’s narrative could be theirs, if they hold steady.

Did You Know?

1. Nasarawa United are nicknamed the Solid Miners, reflecting the mining heritage of Nasarawa State.
2. Before this season, Nasarawa United had never led the NPFL table by a margin as large as four points after eight matches.
3. Enugu Rangers, whom Nasarawa United defeated in this comeback, are one of the founding members of the NPFL and have won multiple league titles.
4. Matchday eight often proves pivotal in the NPFL for momentum swings, with several past champions gathering pace around this stage.
5. Travel between home states to away fixtures in the NPFL can often cover long distances and varied road conditions, contributing significantly to player fatigue.