Nasarawa United have officially appointed Coach Mangut Mbwas Ayuba as their new Technical Adviser ahead of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The 47-year-old tactician was unveiled on Wednesday at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in Lafia. He replaces former coach Salisu Yusuf, who parted ways with the club by mutual consent and has since joined a club in Benin Republic. Yusuf notably led the Solid Miners to safety in the 2024/25 season.
Mbwas, a native of Plateau State, arrives with vast experience in Nigerian football, having previously managed clubs such as Heartland FC, Wikki Tourists, Enugu Rangers and most recently, Plateau United, whom he guided to a seventh-place finish last season. He holds a CAF B Coaching Certificate.
During his playing career, Mbwas featured for clubs across Nigeria, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, including Sharks of Port Harcourt (now Rivers United), Deportivo de Cali of Colombia, FC Lens of France, Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, and Al-Arabi Doha of Qatar. Among his honours are the Asian Champions of Champions title with Al-Hilal and the All Arab Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at the unveiling, Club Chairman Solomon Babanjah expressed confidence in the new coach.
"We are excited to welcome Mangut Mbwas, one of the best coaches in the country. His appointment marks a fresh chapter for the team as we aim for greater success. His knowledge of the NPFL and coaching philosophy align with our ambitions," Babanjah told Nasarawa United FC Media.
He also thanked Governor Abdullahi Sule and Deputy Governor Dr Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe for their continued support, and acknowledged the contributions of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Nasarawa State Football Association.
Coach Mbwas expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Many applied for this job, and I’m grateful for the chance to lead this great club. We have clear plans and with strong government and stakeholder support, we can achieve success.”
He noted the team's strong finish last season and promised to work with stakeholders to strengthen the squad with a few exceptional players in order to return to continental football.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, hailed the appointment as a significant milestone.
"Mangut is a renowned coach with global experience. His appointment signals victory and progress. The government has provided the necessary logistics to ensure his success, including accommodation and a vehicle,” the Commissioner said.
He assured the coach of full support without interference in technical decisions.
Nasarawa United are currently taking part in the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season Cup in Lafia. Mbwas's first official game in charge will be away to Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, 24 August 2025, in Minna.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by key football stakeholders including Director of Sports, Mallam Ubah Musa; Nasarawa FA Chairman, Salisu Galadima; club board members; coaches; and Supporters’ Club representatives.
Credit: Nasarawa United media
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