Nasarawa Utd targets Fed Cup final berth showdown

Nasarawa United of Lafia are targeting a place in the final of the 2026 President Federation Cup as they face Ikorodu City of Lagos in the semi-finals on Wednesday, June 17, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.

Head Coach Mbwas Mangut says the team has put in significant work to reach this stage and remains fully focused on securing a place in the final.

“We have worked so, so hard to get to this level. That alone has motivated the team to do more and see how we can advance in this competition to the next level,” he said.

The Solid Miners have previously struggled to progress beyond the quarter-final and semi-final stages, including a semi-final exit last year. Mangut stressed that the team is determined to change that narrative after narrowly missing out on continental qualification through the league.

“Having another opportunity to get to this level, we can’t afford to make the same mistake. We really want to do all it takes to advance and get the trophy,” he stated.

He also appealed for strong fan support in Benin while acknowledging past disappointments.

“I want to apologize to them for not getting the continental ticket through the league, and we have an opportunity to do that. We want them to believe in us, stand by us, and we want to do our best to make sure at the end, all of us will smile,” he said.

Mangut admitted challenges in Nigerian football but insisted the team is focused on progress.

“We are improving slowly in every department. There are a lot of things to be improved on. We’re working, and now we don’t want to rely on those excuses to give our best,” he noted.

With no Federation Cup title in their history, Nasarawa United see this semi-final as a crucial opportunity.

“Like I said, we have given them hope, and I can’t give excuses for now, with the level we’ve gotten. We are very close to it, we can’t relent,” he said.

He thanked supporters across Nasarawa State and urged a strong turnout in Benin City.

The eventual winner of the federation cup will represent Nigeria in the 2026/2027 CAF Confederation Cup alongside Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan.

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