Nasarawa United continental qualification disappointment as Istifanus reacts to missed NPFL target and urges focus on Federation Cup success

Jofrank Istifanus, forward of Nasarawa United, has expressed deep disappointment over the club’s failure to secure continental qualification in the 2025–26 Nigeria Premier Football League season, following the conclusion of a decisive weekend round of fixtures in Nigeria.

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Nasarawa United suffer continental qualification Setback was confirmed after Shooting Stars defeated Barau FC in Ibadan on Sunday, a result that effectively ended Nasarawa United’s hopes of finishing in a position that guarantees CAF Confederation Cup qualification via the league.

The development leaves only Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City in contention for the remaining continental ticket, intensifying the final stretch of the NPFL campaign.

Istifanus described the outcome as painful, acknowledging that the team fell short of its season objective despite sustained effort throughout the campaign.

The striker admitted the result was difficult to absorb but stressed the importance of regrouping quickly.

The Nasarawa United continental qualification disappointment now shifts attention towards an alternative route to continental football, with the club still in contention through the 2026 President Federation Cup should they win the competition.

Istifanus urged his teammates to redirect their focus towards the knockout tournament, describing it as a vital opportunity to salvage their continental ambitions in a challenging season.

“Fair enough, I am still disappointed because we couldn’t achieve our mandate of playing in the continent through the league,” Istifanus said in comments released via the club’s media channel.

He added that the squad must now show resilience and determination in the Federation Cup to keep their hopes alive.

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The remarks reflect a broader sense of frustration within the Nasarawa United camp, which began the season with strong expectations but ultimately fell short in a tightly contested NPFL race.