Nasarawa United Appoints New Technical Adviser

The announcement, made on Wednesday during a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in Lafia, marks a new chapter for the Solid Miners as they look to build on their performance from last season.

Mbwas takes over from Coach Salisu Yusuf, who parted ways with the club by mutual agreement and has since taken up a new coaching role in the Republic of Benin. Yusuf was credited with helping Nasarawa United avoid relegation during the just-concluded season.

A seasoned tactician, the 47-year-old Mbwas hails from Plateau State and brings a wealth of experience, having managed top-tier clubs such as Heartland FC of Owerri, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, and Enugu Rangers. He holds a CAF B coaching licence and recently led Plateau United to a 7th-place finish in the NPFL.

Club Chairman, Mr Solomon Babanjah, expressed confidence in the new coach’s ability to take the club to greater heights.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Mangut Mbwas, who is one of the finest coaches in the country, into the Nasarawa United family,” Babanjah stated. “His appointment marks the beginning of a fresh chapter as we aim for improved performance and possibly a continental ticket this season. His coaching philosophy aligns with the club’s long-term vision.”

Also speaking, Coach Mangut Mbwas expressed delight over the appointment and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.

“I am aware that many qualified coaches applied for this job, so I feel privileged to be chosen,” Mbwas said. “We have strategic plans in place, and we intend to act differently this season to achieve the desired results. The support from government and stakeholders gives me assurance that success is within reach.”

He added that his goal is to return Nasarawa United to continental football and hinted at fortifying the team with a few exceptional players to improve competitiveness.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, described the appointment as timely and strategic.

“Our club is making history today with the unveiling of a technically sound and globally experienced coach,” he said. “We did our research before presenting his name to our sports-loving Governor, who gave his approval.”

“We will not interfere with your technical duties,” Kwanta noted. “You have the liberty to recruit players from anywhere in the world to improve the squad.”

Others present at the unveiling ceremony included the Director of Sports, Mallam Ubah Musa; Chairman of Nasarawa State Football Association, Mr Salisu Galadima; Board Members of Nasarawa United FC; members of the club’s coaching crew; and representatives of the supporters’ club.

Nasarawa United is currently participating in the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Cup in Lafia. The team is set to begin their 2025/26 NPFL campaign with an away fixture against Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, August 24, in Minna—Coach Mbwas’s first official test in charge of the Solid Miners.