By Amaechi Agbo
Ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL season due to commence on August 22, Nasarawa United have nnounce8 the appointment of Coach Mangut Mbwas Ayuba as their new coach
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 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.
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.
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.
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