Katsina United were stretched to their limits before salvaging a goalless draw against a rejuvenated Plateau United, the Peace Boys, in Kano on Saturday, as Coach Gbenga Ogunbote’s men continued their strong revival with an impressive third consecutive unbeaten outing in the 2025/2026 NPFL season.
Despite playing on familiar ground, Katsina United found themselves second best for large spells as Plateau United imposed their rhythm, dictated play, and created the clearer chances in a fiercely contested encounter officiated with firmness and fairness by the match officials.
Watched by the Club Acting Chairman, Alh. Alhassan Yakmut and the Sporting Director of the Club, Barr Gideon Izang, Plateau United signalled their intent early, pressing high and moving the ball with purpose. In the 6 minutes, Vincent Temitope broke cleanly through on goal and went down under pressure, but play continued as the referee allowed the game to flow. Plateau United remained on the front foot and, in the 9 minutes, a slick passing move completely exposed Katsina United’s defence before the assistant referee raised his flag.
Katsina United responded briefly in the 12 minutes with a free kick that was calmly gathered by Plateau United goalkeeper John Amah. Two minutes later, in the 14 minutes, Temitope underlined the Peace Boys’ work rate by tracking back to head clear another Katsina United free kick.
Ajiji Gimba, a January acquisition facing his former club, posed a constant attacking threat with his direct runs and intelligent movement as Plateau United dictated the rhythm of play. A brief stoppage occurred when the Katsina United goalkeeper went down after taking a free kick and received treatment for about three minutes, but Plateau United’s momentum remained intact.
In the 23 minutes, Yusuf missed a glorious opportunity when he headed off target from a corner kick, a chance that could have put the visitors ahead. Harrison dealt confidently with another corner in the 26 minutes, before a lightning counter attack in the 27 minutes left Temitope bearing down on an empty net, only for a Katsina United defender to recover swiftly and avert danger.
By the 29 minutes, Plateau United had Katsina United penned deep in their own half, drawing applause even from sections of Katsina United supporters. Katsina United’s best effort of the half arrived in the 34 minutes, when a superbly struck free kick by No. 9 was met with an equally fine save from Amah. Sustained pressure followed, with key defensive interventions in the 36 minutes, before the Katsina United goalkeeper rushed off his line in the 38 minutes to deny Ajiji Gimba. Katsina United were relieved to hear the half-time whistle.
The Peace Boys resumed dominance immediately after the restart. In the 46 minutes, Plateau United pressed high again, with Gafar Saka who was introduced at halftime, creating early danger. Plateau United’s Abdallah Yusuf received a deserved yellow card in the 49 minutes for stopping a promising attack, while Amah was alert again in the 53 minutes to keep out a heavily deflected free kick.
Changes followed in the 67 minutes as Tsamagye made way for Paul M., and Plateau United went close again in the 68 minutes when Jonathan failed to keep his header down from a corner kick. Katsina United appealed for a penalty in the 85 minutes, but play was waved on as the referee maintained control of proceedings.
Late chances continued to fall the Peace Boys’ way. In the 89 minutes, good goalkeeping denied Temitope, while in the 90 minutes, Gideon Monday miscued with only the goalkeeper to beat. With five additional minutes signalled, Paul M. was denied once more in the 93 minutes, as Katsina United finally held on.
The outcome further strengthens Plateau United’s resurgence belief. The Peace Boys were rooted in the relegation zone before the commencement of the second stanza in January. Determined to keep the club afloat in Nigeria’s elite division, Sporting Director Barr. Gideon Izang led management into decisive action, fortifying the squad with 8 new signings, releasing 11 players, and strengthening the technical crew with the appointment of Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, popularly known as the Oracle.
Since Ogunbote’s arrival, Plateau United have secured their first away draw of the season against Abia Warriors in Aba, edged neighbours Wikki Tourists in Jos, and now claimed another crucial point against Katsina United in Kano. Katsina United are expected to return to Katsina following the reduction of their banishment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Though the Peace Boys will rue missed chances in a match they largely controlled, the single point moves them to 17th position on the NPFL log.
Up next for the Mutfwang’s Boys, who are basking in the confidence of three unbeaten matches, is a showdown with Rangers International of Enugu, coached by former Plateau United boss Fidelis Illechukwu. A victory in that fixture could propel Plateau United up to 13th place