Nasarawa United head coach Mbwas Mangut has provided a candid assessment of his team’s recent performance following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Rangers International. The “Solid Miners” struggled to find their rhythm at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as the “Flying Antelopes” capitalized on early opportunities to secure the victory. Despite the loss, the Lafia-based outfit maintains its foothold in fourth position on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table, keeping their aspirations for a continental qualification spot very much alive as the season enters its decisive phase.
The match, which featured a clinical first-half display from the hosts, saw Nasarawa United unable to breach a resolute Rangers defense. While the visitors showed flashes of technical promise in the second half, they lacked the final touch required to alter the scoreline. Mangut, who has been widely praised for turning the club into title contenders this season, acknowledged that his players failed to meet the high standards necessary to overcome an elite opponent in their own backyard.
“We did our best, but it was not enough to earn us any decent outcome,” Mangut told club’s media.
Looking ahead, Nasarawa United is set to return to the Lafia City Stadium for a high-stakes encounter against Ikorodu City this coming weekend. The upcoming fixture presents a prime opportunity for redemption, as their opponents are also reeling from a heavy 4-0 defeat suffered at the hands of Bendel Insurance in Benin City. With Ikorodu City currently sitting just one point ahead in third place, the “Solid Miners” understand that a victory on home turf would be a massive statement in the race for the top three.
The technical crew is expected to focus on clinical finishing and defensive organization during this week’s training sessions to ensure there is no repeat of the “bitter pill” swallowed in Enugu. For Mangut, the objective remains clear: maintaining consistency and harvesting every available point to ensure Nasarawa United returns to the African continental stage. As the league table remains incredibly tight, the resilience of the squad will be tested as they look to leapfrog their rivals in the final sprint of the 2025/26 campaign.
About the Author
