Nasarawa United technical adviser Mbwas Mangut has expressed confidence that his side will respond positively after a 1–0 loss to Katsina United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 26 clash in Ilorin on Sunday.
The defeat ended a promising run for the Solid Miners, who had built momentum earlier in the season, and Mangut admitted his team didn’t play to their best but vowed they will regroup and return to winning ways.
Katsina United’s Boubacar Massaly scored the only goal late in the second half to hand the home side all three points, while Nasarawa United huffed and puffed but couldn’t find a way past a well organised defence.
Mangut said his players created chances but failed to convert, and stressed that setbacks are part of the long NPFL campaign as his squad prepare for their next match back at home in Lafia.
Editorial
Mbwas Mangut’s reaction after the narrow defeat to Katsina United reveals the mindset of a coach determined not to let one result define his season. Nasarawa United had been moving well up the NPFL table earlier with strong performances, including reclaiming the top spot with a 3–0 win over El‑Kanemi Warriors in November, and the loss will be seen as a minor hiccup rather than a fall from form.
The story of Nasarawa’s season has been about consistency and resilience. Although they fell short against Katsina, Mangut’s emphasis on regrouping underlines the importance of mental strength and tactical recalibration as the league heads into its crucial second half. Nigerian fans will recall how the team responded strongly to previous setbacks, such as bouncing back with a win over Remo Stars after consecutive losses earlier in the campaign.
With plenty of league still to play, Mangut’s challenge will be to keep his squad focused and sharp as they look to maintain their title ambitions. In the NPFL’s often unpredictable marathon, the ability to recover quickly from defeat often differentiates contenders from mid‑table sides and Nasarawa United seem poised to stay competitive.
Did You Know?
- Nasarawa United lost 1–0 to Katsina United in their Matchday 26 NPFL clash in Ilorin.
- Technical adviser Mbwas Mangut admitted the team didn’t reach their expected standard but remained confident of bouncing back.
- Katsina United’s winning goal was scored by Boubacar Massaly just after the restart.
- Nasarawa United previously reclaimed the NPFL top spot with a 3–0 win over El‑Kanemi Warriors in November.
- The NPFL season is a long campaign where setbacks are seen as part of the process toward title challenges.
