#GusauAhlanCup25: Nasarawa United Boss Hails Pre-season Tourney, Eyes Continental Ticket
Nasarawa United chairman, Solomon Babanja, has praised the organisers of the ongoing Gusau Ahlan Cup, describing this year’s edition as one of the best in the competition’s history.
Speaking after watching Kano Pillars edge Katsina United in the quarter-finals at the Lafia City Stadium, Babanja commended the calibre of teams on display, including Kano Pillars, Katsina United, Niger Tornadoes, and Wikki Tourists, alongside semi-finalists Nasarawa United, Plateau United, Wikki Tourists, and Pillars.
He noted the strong performances from so-called underdogs, citing Cynosure’s spirited game against Plateau United, and expressed pride in his team’s hard-fought derby win over Lobi Stars to secure a semi-final berth.
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s semi-final clash with Plateau United, the Solid Miners boss expressed confidence: “We’ll take it one game at a time. Plateau will be tough, but I believe we’ll get to the final.”
Babanja also lauded the state government and football stakeholders for their unwavering support, singling out Governor Abdullahi Sule, Deputy Governor Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the state FA Chairman Salisu Usman Galadima, and other backers. He assured fans that the team’s ultimate goal is to clinch one of the Nigeria Premier Football League’s continental slots this season.
“We’ve made it clear to Coach Mangut that continental football is our target,” he concluded.
Nasarawa United face Plateau United in the semi-final on Wednesday, August 13, at 1pm.
