Nasarawa United head coach, Mangut Mbwas, admitted his side’s game plan was effectively shut down after a 2–0 defeat to Rangers International FC in Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League clash at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
The defeat, Nasarawa United’s first in several weeks, did little damage to their overall campaign as they remain fourth on the league table with 44 points after 27 matches. Rangers, however, made the most of the opportunity, climbing to the summit with 47 points.
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First-half goals from Godwin Obaje and Chidiebere Nwobodo inside the opening 26 minutes proved decisive, giving the Flying Antelopes a comfortable cushion despite long spells of pressure from the visitors.
Mbwas described the result as painful but insisted it was not a reflection of his team’s overall performance.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow,” the Nasarawa United boss said after the match. “We tried to press high and disrupt their rhythm, but we couldn’t make our chances count. They took theirs, and that made the difference.”
The coach praised Rangers for their efficiency, noting that his side actually enjoyed better spells of play but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal.
“As the season draws to a close, every game feels like a final,” he added. “The league is very tough now, and every point matters. This setback will not define our season.”
Despite the loss, Nasarawa United remain firmly in the title conversation and will look to bounce back immediately when they host third-placed Ikorodu City in a crucial Matchday 28 encounter at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
With just a handful of games left, Mbwas is confident his side still has the resolve to finish the season strongly.
“We will keep fighting till the end,” he said. “Our objectives for this campaign are still very much alive.”
