In a strategic move to bolster our team’s performance, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Coach Mangut Mbwas Ayuba before the press as our new Technical Adviser on a two-season contract, beginning with the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League Season.

This followed the mutual departure of our former coach, Salisu Yusuf, who has now left us to join a Benin Republic team, after successfully steering us clear of relegation last season.

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 FC of Owerri, Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi, and Enugu Rangers FC, holds a CAF B Coaching Certificate, the second highest Football Coaching Certificate in Africa.

He led Plateau United FC to a 7th 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.

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.

According to our Club’s Chairman, Solomon Babanjah, he 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.

He also thanked the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, for his fatherly counsel, while also acknowledging the numerous contributions and guidance of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development under the leadership of Commissioner, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, as well as the Salisu Galadima-led Nasarawa State Football Association, and other critical stakeholders.

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

“I am very 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”, Coach Mangut revealed.

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, Engr. 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 kickstart 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.

Coach Mbwas’s unveiling ceremony held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development on Wednesday, in Lafia, was witnessed by a handful of football stakeNPFLholders, including Director of Sports, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mallam Ubah Musa; Chairman of Nasarawa State Football Association, Salisu Galadima; Board Members of Nasarawa United FC; Coaches; and representatives of the Supporters’ Club of Nasarawa United FC.

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