By Amb Miri Timnan Nyantau (M.T.N)
Plateau United delivered a performance full of courage and promise as they held NPFL table-toppers, Nasarawa United, to a hard-fought draw in the keenly contested North Central Derby at the New Jos International Stadium.
Popularly known as the Peace Boys, Plateau United rose to the occasion despite pre-match anxiety among supporters following their recent home setback against CAF Champions League campaigners, Rivers United.
From kickoff whistle of highly respected and ruthless FIFA Yemisi who commanded the game to near perfection, to the final whistle, the Mutfwang Boys dictated the tempo, pressing aggressively and restricting the league leaders to just two efforts on target.
The hosts could have wrapped up all three points but for profligacy in front of goal. Gafar Saka, worn down by fatigue and the weight of home expectations, missed a number of clear-cut chances. The absence of suspended forward Vincent Temitope was evident, underlining Plateau United’s urgent need for a clinical striker as the January transfer window approaches.
Facing former head coach Mbwas Mangut, who knows both the team and the stadium inside out, Plateau United still found ways to neutralize his tactical plans.
Head coach Shola Adegun made a bold statement of intent, decisively reshuffling his side when Dashan, introduced for the exhausted Saka, failed to influence proceedings.
In a rare but calculated move, Adegun substituted the substitute, matching Mangut’s tactics with equal sharpness and authority.
As the pressure mounted, Nasarawa United struggled to cope with Plateau United’s intensity. Nenrot Silas and Kazeem drove the attack relentlessly, while Chinemerem anchored the midfield with discipline. Tsamagye (Yusuf Abdullahi) display called to questioning why he was not invited to the Super Eagles camp in Cairo for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON). He mesmerized everyone in the midfield and made it his territory
At the back, Wisdom marshalled the defence superbly, frustrating the visitors into repeated time-wasting tactics, with over 15 stoppages aimed at disrupting Plateau United’s rhythm and salvaging a draw.
With a crucial clash against Kano Pillars looming on Sunday at a neutral venue in Katsina, Plateau United’s display offers renewed optimism. Recent home defeats suffered by fellow relegation battlers Barau FC and Kun Khalifa have lifted the Peace Boys out of the drop zone, placing them in a more comfortable position as the season enters a decisive phase.
Looking ahead, Plateau United face Kano Pillars before closing the season at home against Abia Warriors, fixtures that present a realistic opportunity to consolidate their NPFL status before reinforcements arrive in January.
Comparatively, the Peace Boys are currently better positioned on the league table than they were at this stage last season under Mbwas Mangut, a campaign that ultimately ended in a strong second-round resurgence.
If this performance is anything to go by, Plateau United may be setting the foundation for another timely turnaround.
Amb Miri Timnan Nyantau (M.T.N) is Plateau United’s Liaison Officer
