Nasarawa Sports ministry Boosts State-owned Clubs for optimum Performance

Newly appointed Permanent Secretary to the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, today, paid a visit to members of Nasarawa United Football Club, injecting the much-needed dose of motivation and enthusiasm into the squad ahead of their crucial match-day twenty-seven clash against visiting Bendel Insurance tomorrow, Sunday, 22nd February, 2026, at the Lafia City Stadium.
During the visit shortly after their light training session held at the Lafia City Stadium, the Permanent took time to familiarize himself with the team’s Management, Players and Coaches, assuring them of the Government’s sustained support for sports development in the State.
“I am excited to be here today, and I can assure you that we are committed to creating an enabling environment for our teams to succeed.
“Nasarawa United has a longstanding tradition because I have been a passionate follower of all activities of the Club, even though I am just two weeks old as Permanent Secretary at the Youth and Sports Development Ministry.
“We already have a mandate from the Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and I am very positive that we can collectively work together to deliver on the task before us.
“I am here to identify with you, and by the mandate of the Honourable Commissioner, Kwanta Yakubu, to address you all and give you our goodwill as a Ministry.
“Rest assured that whatsoever is allocated to you or sports generally, would be made available to you accordingly.
“You are a brand and respected club in Nigeria. We believe you can achieve the tasks of winning the league and securing continental ticket at the end of the season.
“So, go all out there tomorrow and make everyone proud, particularly the Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and the Commissioner, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, who continue to display their undiluted passion for the team and sports in the State”, he stated.
Nasarawa United, which is currently eyeing a top-spot in the ongoing 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign, received a boost in morale from the Permanent Secretary’s visit, with players and officials alike expressing their gratitude for the show of support.
Club’s Chairman, Mr. Solomon Babanjah, said the Permanent Secretary’s visit was a huge motivation ahead of the club’s Sunday’s game versus Bendel Insurance, as he promised to ensure the team returns to winning path again.
Technical Adviser, Mangut Mbwas, opined that Nasarawa United would do everything possible to achieve the targets set for it.
Speaking on behalf of the players, Ugochukwu Leonard, appreciated the Permanent Secretary for the visit, describing it as apt and timely, assuring that the team is geared up to give their all against their weekend’s opponents.
The Solid Miners, currently 4th on the league table with 41 points from 26 matches, defeated 6th-placed Bendel Insurance with 38 points, 1-2 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, in the first-leg of the clash, and would be hoping to do the double against the South-South-based Benin Arsenal.
The match comes up by 4pm, local time, and will be broadcast live via the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, to the global audience.
Dr. Sasetu was accompanied on the visit by a handful of Directors of the Ministry, including Uba Musa(Sports Organizing), Mustapha Sani Bello(Technical and Coaching), and Ahmad Yusuf(Facilities and Stadia Management).