Nasarawa United head coach, Mangut Mbwas, has hailed the collective motivation behind his team’s impressive 1-0 away victory over Bendel Insurance on Matchday 7 of the ongoing 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The Solid Miners snatched a dramatic late winner at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Sunday, with substitute Garba Mohammed finding the net in the fourth minute of added time to hand the visitors all three points in a fiercely contested encounter.

Mohammed, who was introduced at the hour mark, made his time on the pitch count with his second goal of the season — sealing back-to-back away wins for Nasarawa United, following their earlier triumph in Yenagoa against Bayelsa United.

“We Were Motivated From All Angles” – Mbwas

Speaking after the match, Coach Mbwas praised the character of his players and revealed the multiple layers of motivation driving the team’s current form.

“It’s a thing of joy to get the maximum points, either home or away,” he said. “After drawing their last home game, Bendel Insurance came out aggressively looking for all three points. But we kept resisting and pushing till the final minutes — and we got the goal.”

Mbwas admitted his side started the game slowly but adjusted tactically in the second half, with key substitutions making the difference.

“I’m so happy with the performance of my boys – all credit goes to them. The changes we effected in the second half really paid off.”

He also highlighted the motivational support coming from within the squad and beyond.

“We are highly motivated from all rounds: self-motivation from the players, the support from our sports-loving Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, and our club management led by Solomon Babanjah — not forgetting our loyal fans and the local Football Association.”

With the win, Nasarawa United continue their strong start to the season, climbing further up the league standings and establishing themselves as early title contenders.

The team will return to Lafia this weekend, where they are set to host former league champions, Rangers International FC of Enugu, in what promises to be another high-stakes NPFL clash on Sunday.