Mangut Hails Nasarawa United President After Stunning Federation Cup Win Over Rivers United

According to Ireporter Online, Nasarawa United technical adviser, Mbwas Mangut, has commended his players following their dramatic victory over Rivers United in the President’s Federation Cup.

The encounter, played in Awka on Saturday, saw Nasarawa United progress to the quarter-finals after a tense 5-3 penalty shootout win in a Round of 16 clash that swung sharply in momentum. The Solid Miners had taken a commanding 2-0 lead but were pegged back by Rivers United, who forced the game into extra time. Nasarawa United, however, held their composure in the shootout to secure qualification.

Mangut described the victory as a major test of character, noting that his team endured pressure after surrendering a two-goal advantage but still showed resilience when it mattered most. He praised the players’ mental strength, stressing that surviving such setbacks is crucial in knockout competitions where second chances are not available.

In a related development, Rangers International have confirmed that head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu will remain in charge for the 2026/27 domestic and continental campaigns following their successful season.

The club’s general manager, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, said retaining Ilechukwu was a straightforward decision, pointing to his impressive record, including multiple league triumphs in recent years. He noted that the coach’s achievements have reinforced his status as one of the most successful tacticians in the Nigerian Professional Football League.

Rangers, who clinched the 2025/26 NPFL title with 68 points, edging out Rivers United by a single point, will represent Nigeria in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League alongside their league rivals. Ezeaku added that discussions regarding his own future at the club would be concluded in the coming weeks as preparations for the new season continue.