Trill Times Sports Desk
Plateau United, fondly called the Peace Boys, secured a hard-fought 1- 0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in their NPFL Match Day 6 clash at the New Jos International Stadium, with goalkeeper Favour Bala emerging as the hero after producing a breathtaking save that preserved all three points.
The game began with Plateau United on the front foot, pressing high and creating early chances. In the 4th minute, Kazeem broke forward but his cross was cut out. Two minutes later, he combined well with Saka and Chinemerem, but the Warriors’ defence stood firm. The Peace Boys nearly opened the scoring in the 8th minute when Tarabina delivered a fine cross, Wisdom rose highest, but the El-Kanemi keeper gathered.
The crowd came alive in the 10th minute when Kazeem danced past four Warriors’ defenders before squaring to Gideon, who could not apply the finishing touch. Tarabina and Vincent also threatened with half-chances, while Wisdom and Saka tested the backline, but the elusive opener finally arrived in the 32nd minute.
From a Kazeem corner, Gideon soared majestically to head home, giving Plateau United a deserved 1–0 lead and sending the stands into wild celebration.
The Warriors of Maiduguri tried to respond swiftly, but Bala was alert to deny their attempt in the 36th minute. Just before the break, Kazeem missed a glorious chance to double the lead after a flowing move involving Mustapha, but Plateau United went into halftime with their slim advantage intact.
The second half opened with the Peace Boys looking to consolidate. In the 54th minute, Kazeem’s free kick was comfortably saved, while Mubarak’s cross on the hour mark failed to find Saka.
Then came the decisive moment of the match in the 60th minute – El-Kanemi’s striker unleashed a ferocious 25-yard strike destined for the top corner, but Favour Bala produced a world-class diving save, parrying the ball away to preserve Plateau United’s lead.
Coach Adegun freshened his side with triple substitutions on 65 minutes, introducing Kalu, Damala, and Harrison for Gideon, Saka, and Mubarak.
Chinemerem continued to boss the midfield, drawing fouls and linking play, while Tarabina put his body on the line, even requiring treatment after a brave clearance in the 82nd minute.
Plateau United had opportunities to seal the contest late on through Mafeng and Chinemerem, but the Warriors’ defence held out. The final minutes saw Plateau United manage the game professionally, with Jonathan replacing Chinemerem deep into stoppage time as they closed out the win.
The Peace Boys held firm, thanks in large part to Bala’s match-defining save, ensuring that the Warriors of Maiduguri left Jos empty-handed.
With this victory, Plateau United now move to 6 points and will next face Kwara United in a rescheduled Match Day 5 fixture on Wednesday, a game postponed earlier due to Kwara United’s engagement in the CAF Confederation Cup.