Tag: Mangut Mbwas

Head coach of Nasarawa United,  Mangut Mbwas has played down suggestions that his side are favourites for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, insisting it is too early to celebrate despite their current lead on the log.

The Solid Miners climbed to the summit of the table on Sunday after a convincing 2-0 win over Katsina United at the Lafia City Stadium on Matchday Six.

The result marked their third straight home victory, taking their tally to 13 points from six matches with four wins, one draw, and one loss.

Speaking after the game, Mangut praised his players’ response but warned against complacency.

“It’s a thing of joy to win today. Our response was great because we have been working so hard, and gradually we are achieving our goals,” he said.

Read Also: Five2 Media’s Extra Mile wins best film by female filmmaker – Nollywood at TINFF 2025

 “But it is not time for celebration yet. The league is a marathon and still very much in its infancy.”

On the match itself, Mangut acknowledged that his side could have scored more than the two goals they managed.

“Katsina United are a tricky side; they don’t allow you to play freely. The first-half goal gave us the advantage, and we added the second, though we wasted a lot of chances,” he admitted. “My players were a bit anxious in front of goal, but we’re working on correcting that.”

Looking ahead, the coach maintained confidence in his squad’s growing momentum.

“Our next game won’t be easy, but the team is growing in confidence, game after game. I believe we can win anywhere,” he added.

Coach Mangut Mbwas has been unveiled by the Nasarawa State Government  as the new technical adviser for Nasarawa United football Club on  a two-season  long contract beginning with the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

The appointment followed the departure of coach Salisu Yusuf to a Benin Republic’s side, after successfully steering the club clear of relegation last season.

Chairman of the club, Solomon Babanja who unveiled the new coach yesterday in Lafia at the ministry of Youths and Sports Development,  said Mangut Mbwas brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in football management.

The 47-year-old Plateau State-born Mbwas who has previously coached notable Club sides in Nigeria, including Heartland  of Owerri, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, and Enugu Rangers, holds a CAF B Coaching  Certificate, the second highest Football Coaching Certificate in Africa.

He led Plateau United  to a 7^th place finish in the recently concluded 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League Season.

As a player, Mbwas featured prominently for renowned football clubs around the world like Mighty Jets International FC of Jos; Sharks of Port-Harcourt, now renamed Rivers United FC; American De Call and Deportivo De Cali of Colombia; FC Lens of France; Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia; Al-Arabi Doha of Qatar; and O.N.G.C. de Vasco De Gama of India.

Read Also: NFF lauds  Adeniyi on election as Chairperson of WCO

He won the Asian Champions of Champions title with Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia; Runners-up winner with defunct Sharks of Port-Harcourt and won the All Arab Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal.

The club chairman said: “We are excited to welcome our new Technical Adviser, Mangut Mbwas, who is one of the best coaches in the country, to the family.

“Coach Mbwas’s appointment marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for our team as we look to build on last season’s achievements and push for greater success in the elite league.

“Our new Technical Adviser has a deep understanding of the game and the NPFL, having previously worked with top clubs in the league.

“His coaching philosophy aligns with our clubs ambitions, ensuring a seamless transition and a bright future for the Solid Miners.”

The Club’s Chairman appreciated Governor Abdullahi Sule for his continued support to the Team, promising to deliver on the mandate of the Club.

Mbwas, on his part, expressed delight for signing the contract with Nasarawa United.

He said: “I am very much aware that a lot of other coaches applied for this job, but I feel good for the opportunity given to me to do what I know how to do best.

“Firstly, we have the mind and plans on what to do, and this time around, we have to act differently to get our needed results.

“A lot is being expected of this team, but my joy is that both the Government and stakeholders are strongly behind the team, and by the grace of God, we will achieve success together.

“With what I have come to meet on ground, there is only minimal job to be done to achieve our goals, and I will work alongside all the key stakeholders to actualize our set goals and aspirations, especially getting the team to play  continental football again.

“The team ended strongly last season, and all that is needed is a few exceptional players to fortify the team to compete at the highest level,”  Mangut added.

Speaking shortly after being presented with the new Coach, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, described the signing of Coach Mangut Mbwas as a step in the right direction.

“Our club is making history today by signing a technically sound Technical Adviser.

“Mangut is a renowned Coach with global spread, as his profile speaks volume.

“As far as we are concerned, victory and prosperity have beckoned on us in this coming season, and going forward.

“We did our findings before presenting same to our Sports-loving Governor, Abdullahi Sule, who approved of the Coach’s appointment.

“As a Ministry, we will continue to give you the necessary support with the view to seeing that you succeed. We shall never interfere with your technical job in the Club, as you have the liberty to recruit any player anywhere around the world you deem fit to add value to the team.

“All the necessary logistics, beginning with a befitting accommodation, functional vehicle, and others, to make your job convenient, have been graciously provided by the Government of Engr. Abdullahi Sule.

“So, we congratulate you on your appointment and wish you all the best in the task ahead,” Kwanta concluded.

Nasarawa United who are currently participating in the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season Cup Football Tournament in Lafia, will kick-start their 2025/26 NPFL campaign with a trip to Minna, Niger State, to face Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, 24th August, 2025, which is Coach Mbwas’s first official test in the league with the Solid Miners.