NPFL: Nasarawa United Coach Reacts After 3-1 Defeat to Barau FC

Nasarawa United head coach Mbwas Mangut has expressed disappointment after his side began the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a 3-1 defeat to Barau FC.

The Solid Miners suffered the setback at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Sunday evening, despite producing a competitive display for large periods of the match.

The two teams went into the half-time break level after scoring once each in an entertaining opening 45 minutes. Nasarawa United, however, could not maintain their momentum after the restart.

Barau FC took control in the closing stages, with Al’Almin Umar and Suga Aliyu finding the net to secure all three points and condemn Nasarawa United to a disappointing opening-day loss.

Mangut believes the scoreline did not reflect his team’s performance, arguing that Nasarawa United created enough chances to take something from the encounter.

“My wards played better, but were unlucky to score from the avalanche of opportunities we had,” Mangut said in a statement released by the club.

Despite the setback, the coach has urged his players to quickly learn from their mistakes rather than dwell on the result. He said the team would review the performance, identify their shortcomings and work towards a stronger response.

“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,” Mangut added.

Nasarawa United will have an immediate opportunity to recover when they welcome Bendel Insurance to Lafia City Stadium on Sunday. The Solid Miners will be hoping to turn their home fixture into their first victory of the new NPFL campaign.