Nasarawa United technical adviser Mbwas Mangut has praised his players following their impressive Nasarawa United away win against Abia Warriors in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2025/2026 season on Sunday.
The Solid Miners delivered a resilient performance at the Umuahia Township Stadium, overturning a halftime deficit to secure a 2-1 victory and climb the league table.
Abia Warriors started strongly, using the home advantage to press Nasarawa United and create early opportunities, hoping to establish control in the opening exchanges.
Their efforts paid off shortly before the break when former Enyimba striker Chukwuemeka Obioma gave the home side a 1-0 lead, putting pressure on Mangut’s team.
Despite conceding late in the first half, Nasarawa United returned after halftime with renewed focus, determined to respond to the deficit and claim the full points.
The equaliser came quickly in the 47th minute when substitute Habibu Alakija found the net, instantly shifting momentum in favour of the visiting side.
Eight minutes later, Jofrank Istifanus scored the decisive goal for Nasarawa United, completing the comeback and securing a memorable Nasarawa United away win against Abia Warriors.
Mangut expressed his delight after the match, describing the result as crucial for maintaining the team’s position in the NPFL 2025/2026 standings.
“It’s quite a great win for us. We knew very well that we needed to get ourselves together to do what we did today,” Mangut told the club’s media.
He emphasised the importance of mental strength, particularly after conceding just before halftime, and the team’s ability to stay focused under pressure.
“They were leading 1-0 heading into the break, but we told ourselves that a loss today would further drag us down a dangerous position,” Mangut explained.
Mangut added that securing the comeback victory was essential to maintaining the squad’s confidence and ambition for the remainder of the season.
“That would not be good for our ambitions, and I am glad it paid off,” he said.
The Nasarawa United coach also noted that the team capitalised on key opposition mistakes during critical moments of the match.
“We took advantage of the goalkeeping error,” Mangut stated, reflecting on how the second-half goals materialised.
Mangut praised the overall team effort, acknowledging contributions from every player on the field during the away fixture.
“All the players had a great game today,” he said, highlighting the squad’s collective commitment to the result.
The coach singled out goalkeeper Darlintin Ovunda for exceptional performance, recognising his decisive interventions throughout the match.
“Including the goalkeeper, Darlintin Ovunda, who was quite exceptional as he has always been,” Mangut said.
Ovunda’s saves proved critical in keeping Nasarawa United in the contest, particularly when Abia Warriors sought to regain the lead.
“I must give him credit for the massive saves he made today which proved decisive in our win today,” Mangut added.
The Nasarawa United away win now positions the Lafia-based side second on the NPFL 2025/2026 table, signalling their determination to challenge for the top spots.
The result also reflected the tactical discipline and resilience instilled by Mbwas Mangut, who continues to guide the team with experience and clarity.
Their next fixture will test that resilience further as Nasarawa United travels to face Enyimba in a matchday 23 encounter in Aba on Wednesday.
With confidence high, Mangut expects his team to build on the momentum from this Nasarawa United away win and maintain focus against one of the league’s strongest sides.
Abia Warriors, for their part, will look to regroup following the setback and use the loss as a learning experience in the tightly contested NPFL 2025/2026 season.
The Solid Miners’ performance was a reminder of their ability to overturn challenging situations, especially with players like Jofrank Istifanus making decisive contributions.
Mangut’s praise underlines the importance of team unity and preparation when competing away from home, which has been crucial in their successful campaign so far.
As the season progresses, Nasarawa United’s ability to recover from setbacks continues to set them apart in the NPFL 2025/2026 standings.
“It’s important that we stay consistent and take advantage of key moments. Today’s win shows the players are committed to our objectives,” Mangut concluded.
The Nasarawa United away win also boosts morale ahead of crucial fixtures, reinforcing belief among players, staff, and supporters in the club’s ambitions.
With disciplined execution and tactical awareness, Nasarawa United demonstrated that they can compete at the top level despite challenging away environments.
The Solid Miners now carry momentum into upcoming fixtures, with Mangut emphasising the need for focus, teamwork, and capitalising on every opportunity on the pitch.
“Every player today contributed to our success, and that collective effort is why we secured a victory against a strong team like Abia Warriors,” he added.
The NPFL 2025/2026 season remains tightly contested, and results like this Nasarawa United away win could prove decisive in shaping the final league positions.
Mangut’s comments highlight both pride in his team’s performance and the recognition of areas for continued improvement in the league campaign.
The team’s next challenge against Enyimba will be an important test of consistency and their ability to maintain form during the critical stages of the season.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching Nasarawa United closely, noting the impact of players such as Jofrank Istifanus and the guidance of Mbwas Mangut.
As Nasarawa United continues to demonstrate resilience on the road, the Solid Miners are shaping themselves into strong contenders for the NPFL 2025/2026 title.
“We must keep improving and be ready for every challenge. Today’s win proves that when we work together, we can achieve our goals,” Mangut said.
The Nasarawa United away win over Abia Warriors has sent a strong message to other top teams in the league about the team’s ambitions and quality.
With a balanced mix of experience, youth, and tactical discipline, Mangut’s squad is showing the kind of consistency needed to challenge at the top of the NPFL 2025/2026.
The victory also reinforces the importance of substitutes making immediate impact, as seen with Habibu Alakija, who provided the spark for the comeback.
Mangut’s strategic decisions, coupled with key performances from players, ensured that Nasarawa United maximised opportunities and minimised risks during the match.
As the Solid Miners aim to maintain top form, the Nasarawa United away win will remain a reference point for both players and coaching staff in the coming fixtures.
The team now turns its attention to Enyimba, looking to replicate the resilience and quality displayed against Abia Warriors in another high-stakes encounter.
Mangut’s post-match comments reflect the leadership and vision guiding Nasarawa United, emphasising both the value of teamwork and the ability to respond under pressure.
“It’s vital that we maintain focus and continue to execute our plans effectively. Today’s result is a step in the right direction,” he concluded.
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The NPFL 2025/2026 season promises more excitement, with Nasarawa United emerging as one of the most consistent and resilient teams under the guidance of Mbwas Mangut.
