NPFL: Mangut Rues Nasarawa United’s Defeat To Kwara United In North-central Derby

Nasarawa United head coach, Mangut Mbwas, has expressed his disappointment for his side 1-0 defeat to Kwara United in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) match-day 32 clash on Saturday, describing the result as painful.

The “Solid Miners” were stung deep into extra time when substitute Abdulsalam Abdulsalam converted a 90+5 minute penalty for Kwara United, much to the dismay of the travelling side.

The match, played at Kwara United’s temporary home ground, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, saw both teams locked in a goalless draw after regulation time. However, three minutes into added time, a defensive lapse by Nasarawa United’s Utake Emmanuel led to referee awarding a penalty. Chidera Nduka was adjudged to have fouled an opponent in the box, despite appeals for innocence.

Kwara United capitalised on the spot-kick, securing all three points and dashing Nasarawa United’s hopes of sharing the spoils on the road.

Despite the loss, Nasarawa United remain in 3rd position in the league table with 50 points, while Kwara United moved up a spot to 18th with 36 points.

Nasarawa United will now return to their base in Lafia to host Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri in their next fixture.

Coach Mangut Mbwas expressed his disappointment with the outcome, stating:

“We are all pained by this result today. We had given this game our all from the blast of the whistle, only to be letdown in the dying minutes. A draw was the worst we had envisaged, but, sometimes, you get hit by the cruel side of the round leather game.

“Nevertheless, we have picked up our pieces, we remain resolute in our focus for our targets, and we will continue to fight till the last day of the league. Our next game is against Kun Khalifat. We have to console ourselves and our very loyal supporters and fans by winning that game.”

Coach Mbwas’s comments highlight the team’s frustration at conceding so late, but also their determination to bounce back in their upcoming home game.