Nasarawa United appoints Mangut Mbwas as New Technical Adviser

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

Nasarawa United Football Club has officially unveiled Coach Mangut Mbwas Ayuba as its new Technical Adviser on a two-year contract, ahead of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The announcement, made on Wednesday during a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in Lafia, marks a new chapter for the Solid Miners as they look to build on their performance from last season.

Mbwas takes over from Coach Salisu Yusuf, who parted ways with the club by mutual agreement and has since taken up a new coaching role in the Republic of Benin. Yusuf was credited with helping Nasarawa United avoid relegation during the just-concluded season.

A seasoned tactician, the 47-year-old Mbwas hails from Plateau State and brings a wealth of experience, having managed top-tier clubs such as Heartland FC of Owerri, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, and Enugu Rangers. He holds a CAF B coaching license and recently led Plateau United to a 7th-place finish in the NPFL.

Club Chairman, Mr. Solomon Babanjah, expressed confidence in the new coach’s ability to take the club to greater heights.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Mangut Mbwas, who is one of the finest coaches in the country, into the Nasarawa United family,” Babanjah stated. “His appointment marks the beginning of a fresh chapter as we aim for improved performance and possibly a continental ticket this season. His coaching philosophy aligns with the club’s long-term vision.”

Babanjah also extended appreciation to Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for his continued support to the team. He thanked Deputy Governor Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, for their steadfast contributions to the growth of football in the state.

Also speaking, Coach Mangut Mbwas expressed delight over the appointment and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.

“I am aware that many qualified coaches applied for this job, so I feel privileged to be chosen,” Mbwas said. “We have strategic plans in place, and we intend to act differently this season to achieve the desired results. The support from government and stakeholders gives me assurance that success is within reach.”

He added that his goal is to return Nasarawa United to continental football and hinted at fortifying the team with a few exceptional players to improve competitiveness.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development  Kwanta Yakubu, described the appointment as timely and strategic.