Nasarawa United head coach Mangut Mbwas praised his players’ resilience and composure after the Solid Miners overturned a first-half deficit to defeat Abia Warriors 2-1 in Umuahia on Sunday evening.
The Lafia-based side trailed at the interval following Chukwuemeka Obioma’s strike just before half-time, but responded decisively after the break through goals from Habibu Alakija and Jofrank Istifanus to claim a historic first league victory at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Mbwas revealed that his message at half-time centred on the team’s ambitions and the danger of dropping points at a crucial stage of the season.
“It’s quite a great win for us,” Mbwas told NUFC media. “We knew very well that we needed to get ourselves together to do what we did today.”
“They were leading 1-0 heading into the break, but we told ourselves that a loss today would further drag us into a dangerous position, which would not be good for our ambitions. I am glad it paid off.”
The Nasarawa United coach also singled out goalkeeper Darlintin Ovunda for special praise after a series of vital saves that earned him the Man of the Match award.
“All the players had a great game today, including the goalkeeper, Darlintin Ovunda, who was quite exceptional,” Mbwas added. “I must give him credit for the massive saves he made today, which proved decisive.”
The win lifts Nasarawa United to second place on the Nigeria Premier Football League table with 38 points from 22 matches, just three points behind leaders Rivers United.
With sixteen matches still to play, Mbwas believes the result could define his side’s campaign as they push for continental qualification.
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