Nasarawa United head coach Mbwas Mangut has voiced his disappointment after his team suffered a 3-1 defeat to Barau FC in their opening match of the 2026/27 EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Sunday evening. The Solid Miners, who began their campaign with high hopes, were unable to hold on to an early equalizer and ultimately fell short despite creating several scoring opportunities.
Barau FC took the lead in the 15th minute through Joseph Atule, capitalizing on a swift attacking move. Nasarawa United responded quickly, as Abubakar Abdullahi leveled the score five minutes later following a well-delivered assist from Mohammed Umar. The first half ended with both teams locked at 1-1, showcasing a competitive and evenly matched contest.
The second half saw Barau FC dominate the final stages, with Al’Amin Umar and Suga Aliyu scoring in quick succession to seal the victory for the home side. Despite the loss, Mangut maintained that his players delivered a solid performance and were unfortunate not to convert their chances into goals.
“MY WARDS PLAYED BETTER, BUT WERE UNLUCKY TO SCORE FROM THE AVALANCHE OF OPPORTUNITIES WE HAD,” Mangut told the club’s media outlet. He acknowledged that the result was not ideal for the start of the new season but emphasized the importance of learning from the experience. “It’s definitely not the way to start the new season, but we will analyse our mistakes, regroup, and bounce back stronger, beginning from our next match.”
Nasarawa United now face a crucial away fixture against Bendel Insurance at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday. The match presents an immediate opportunity for the Solid Miners to redeem themselves and secure their first points of the NPFL campaign. Fans and stakeholders are hopeful that the team can turn things around quickly, especially given the promising performances shown in the first game.
Mangut’s comments reflect a determination to improve and adapt, as the club aims to build momentum in the coming weeks. With key players showing potential and the squad demonstrating resilience, Nasarawa United remain optimistic about their prospects in the league. The focus now shifts to preparation and tactical adjustments ahead of the next challenge, as they strive to climb the NPFL table.
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