Nasarawa United Stage Stunning Comeback To Reach State FA Cup Final

Nasarawa United, dubbed the ‘Solid Miners’, secured their place in the Nasarawa State Football Association Cup final, with a remarkable 4-1 victory over a determined Si14 FC.

The semi-final clash, held at Lafia City Stadium, saw United overturn a 1-0 deficit in a pulsating encounter.

The match’s turning point arrived with the introduction of 16-year-old Benjamin Oloche, a graduate of Nasarawa United’s youth academy. Coming off the bench in the 40th minute, Oloche delivered a Man-of-the-Match performance, providing two assists and scoring a goal that belied his tender age.

Si14 FC initially stunned the Nigeria Premier League side when Umar Sani rounded the defence to give his team a 28th-minute lead. However, Coach Mangut Mbwas’s double substitution, including Oloche, paid immediate dividends. Just a minute after his introduction, Oloche delivered a delightful inswinger to Habibu Alakija, levelling the scores at 1-1 as both teams headed into the dressing rooms.

The second half began with similar attacking intent from United, and Oloche was once again instrumental. A minute after the restart, his incisive pass set up Ugochukwu Leonard, giving the Solid Miners a 2-1 lead. With eleven minutes remaining, the energetic young winger announced himself further, scoring his first official goal for United. Collecting a through pass from fellow substitute Moyi Hassan, Oloche cut into the box and unleashed a close-range shot past Si14 goalkeeper Sunny Frank, making it 3-1.

United’s dominant display was completed four minutes before stoppage time when Ugochukwu Leonard tapped home Habibu Alakija’s inch-perfect pass, sealing a 4-1 victory and a spot in the 2026 Nasarawa State FA Cup final. Benjamin Oloche was deservingly named Man-of-the-Match.

Nasarawa United will now face the winners of the other semi-final between Basira FC and Nasarawa United Feeder Team. The final is scheduled for Sunday, 26th April, 2026, at 3 pm at Lafia City Stadium, with the victors earning the right to lift the trophy and one of two tickets to the national President Federation’s Cup.

Speaking after the match, Coach Mangut Mbwas of Nasarawa United said: “It’s been a difficult week, playing three games. We made a few adjustments for continuity and stability. The FA Cup is a great platform for other players to show their improvement. It was a tough first half against Si14, but I’m glad we rallied and won. We’re ready for any opponent in the final.”

He added, “I’m elated with Benjamin Oloche’s performance. His introduction was very effective; he immediately provided an assist, then another, and was excellent in tracking back. To crown it all, he scored a goal. He thoroughly deserved his Man-of-the-Match award. We have many talented players like him, and we hope to integrate them into the team.”

Benjamin Oloche (Man-of-the-Match/Nasarawa United): “I thank God for my talent and my coach, Mangut Mbwas, and the technical team for this opportunity. I’m overwhelmed by today’s performance; I didn’t see it coming. I started the first FA Cup match, but today, I came off the bench to help my team win and reach the final.”

Oloche continued, “My deepest appreciation goes to my teammates and our amazing supporters for always pushing and inspiring me. I enjoy the synergy we share. My desire is to help my team win this year’s State FA Cup, as we always do. I’m inspired by legendary wingers Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman, and I admire their style of football.”