The Solid Miners, as Nasarawa United are nicknamed, will begin their first match of Group C against Kano Pillars at the ongoing 5th Gusau/Ahlan Preseason Football Tournament holding at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, by 4pm today.
Also paired alongside Darazo Academy, and Discovery Talented FC of Kebbi State, today’s match will prove how long Nasarawa United will go in the same tournament they won in 2019 in Kano State, after pipping El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri 1-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium to lift the trophy.
Technical Adviser, Mangut Mbwas, prior to the team’s take off to Katsina from Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital, yesterday, said the Pre-Season Tournament is the first true examination of a squad meticulously re-tooled during the off-season as it will serve as an opportunity for the players to translate weeks of conditioning, tactical drills and internal competition into performance.
Mangut told the Club’s Media that his side will approach today’s game with intent, not experimentation alone.
“Yes, it’s our first match in the Preseason tournament. However, we have used the weeks of preparation to build identity, fitness and cohesion.
“Later today, we want to set the tone. This tournament is our laboratory, but we will compete to win.
“We missed three opportunities last season – we didn’t win the league. We didn’t qualify for the continent, and we didn’t win the FA Cup, and that bothers us and our darling supporters a lot.
“This new Football League season, every minute must have meaning, and that starts from our game today against Kano Pillars in the Gusau/Ahlan Preseason Tournament”, remarked Mangut.
Speaking earlier, the Club’s Chairman, Solomon Babanjah, represented by the Team Manager, Adamu Musa Galle, echoed the Coach’s sentiment, emphasizing mentality and structure.
“The players understand the standard required at this level.
“The Gusau/Ahlan Preseason tournament will test our depth and our resolve.
“We are going there to build rhythm, to assess combinations, and to leave the tournament sharper than we are coming in.”
He confirmed that Nasarawa United will soon unveil a blend of newly acquired high-profile signings and a handful of academy graduates after their impressive Pre-Season form, to augment the established first-team regulars.
The Chairman appreciated Governor Abdullahi Sule, and the State Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, for their sustained support to the team and its members, pledging to reward the gestures this term.
Team Captain, King Osanga MON, assured the Club’s teeming supporters and fans of a rewarding season, appealing for continuous support and prayers.
In his farewell message to the team, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, congratulated the team for their efforts in the past season, and urged them to always represent the values of discipline, hard work and excellence that the State and its people are known for, while aspiring for success this coming term in the league.
He noted that the Preseason tournament is an early barometer for how the Club will cope with the demands of the upcoming NPFL campaign.
While assuring of the full support of the Ministry and State Government to the welfare and progress of Nasarawa United and its members, the Commissioner added that plans are already in top gear to replace the turf at the Lafia City Stadium, home ground of the Solid Miners and Nasarawa Amazons, before the commencement of the new football campaign.
“Nasarawa United is a club that has history, and passionate about what it does. We enter every season with a determination to win, at least, a laurel, and I strongly believe this season won’t be different, except where we have to achieve positive, and tangible results where we couldn’t last term.
“I am glad with what I have heard from your officials and captain.
“Let me assure you that the Governor is ready to do everything possible to ensure you are not only comfortable, but achieve success. The Governor has demonstrated this spirit over and again to you and the team, and He will do more as the season progresses.
“As a Ministry, rest assured that whatsoever is meant for you will be given to you outrightly. We will also be timely in our push to enable you meet you tasks.
“We wish you a successful journey to Katsina and back home, and a successful football season”, the Commissioner prayed.
Nasarawa United ended the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier League season 6th overall on the 20-team league table with 56 points, and failed to qualify for the final of this year’s Men’s President Federation’s Cup after losing via penalty shootouts to Ikorodu City FC of Lagos in the Semi-Final stage.
The Solid Miners will kickstart their first league match of the 2026/27 season against Barau FC in Kano on Sunday, 30th August, 2026, by 4pm.
