Following Plateau United’s public announcement through it Director of Media Organization, Mr Maklek Yaksat on Thursday to increase gate taking from #200 to #500 for the remaining home matches of the Club, the Chairman of Langtang North Amateur Football Association (LAFA) who doubles as the Secretary of the Forum of Local Government FA Chairmen, Chief Miri Timnan Nyantau (M.T.N) has made a heartfelt appeal to the Club’s Management to reconsider its decision
In a letter addressed to the General Manager of the Club, Mr Habila Hosea Mutla through the Club’s Secretary, Mr Albert Belfwan and copied to the State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon Ibrahim Musa Ashoms, Director of Sports, Plateau State, Prof Ezra Gunen, Chairman, Plateau State Football Association, Hon Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, Chairman and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Chief Nyantau stated that “the atmosphere created by fans has a direct impact on team performance and morale”. He feared that “the proposed increment if not reversed will risks alienating the very individuals whose support is key for the club’s success.
“For a State like Plateau that has sadly been bedeviled by ethno-religious crisis, Football is more than just a sport; it is a powerful force that serves as a diversionary therapy from crimes while uniting people from different tribes, religion and regions that live in the State. Also, it evokes passion, and creates a sense of belonging. The hike in gate takings threatens the attainment of this unquantifiable achievement – Unity”, he added
The letter dated 3rd April, 2025 and obtained by Trill Times News reads in full:
General Manager,
Plateau United Football Club of Jos
Through:
Club Secretary
A HEARTFELT APPEAL TO RECONSIDER THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN TICKET PRICE FROM #200 TO #500
- I most humbly write to extend my footballing regards to you and your Management Team, hoping that this letter finds you in good health
- Permit me to spare few words of commendation for a friend and a brother, Hon Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, the newly posted Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development who, since his redeployment to the Ministry, together with you, have collaborated and steered the team away from the relegation zone to at least a relatively safer position for now, though all is not home and dry yet as the season climaxes with decisive matches to go. Congratulations also for qualifying to the Round of 16 of the President’s Cup (Federation’s Cup) after ditching Sunshine Stars of Akure one nil through Vincent Temitope’s goal in Ayingba, Kogi State
- My passionate letter is borne in view of the forgoing, that the run-in fixtures of the remaining matches are decisive to the Club’s staying afloat in the Nation’s top tier, the Premier League, considering how a week’s result could refine a whole season for a Club because of the close margin of points.
- To maintain momentum and achieve (3) above, the Club’s fanbase is even more central but the Club’s announcement through its Media Officer, Maklek Yaksat to increase the gate takings for the remaining matches needs urgent reconsideration and reversal to status quo for the following reasons:
a. Football clubs succeed on the vibrancy of their supporters. According to a 2019 study by the University of Sheffield, “the atmosphere created by fans has a direct impact on team performance and morale”. This research reiterates how indispensable fan presence is; their cheers and support can spur players to perform at their best. However, the proposed increment if not reversed will risks alienating the very individuals whose support is key for the club’s success.
b. For a State like Plateau that has sadly been bedeviled by ethno-religious crisis, Football is more than just a sport; it is a powerful force that serves as a diversionary therapy from crimes while uniting people from different tribes, religion and regions that live in the State. Also, it evokes passion, and creates a sense of belonging. The hike in gate takings threatens the attainment of this unquantifiable achievement – Unity
c. My workaholic General Manager will admit that fans of Plateau United are among the most faithful and loyal fans in the whole country that have stood through thick and thin with the club especially when the club was languishing in relegation as a result of points deduction. Now that the Club performances on the pitch are near excellent, Management should encourage fans who suffered together with the club to enjoy themselves and connect even more stronger with the players by maintaining the #200 gate fee
d. Plateau United’s current home match venue, the Zaria Road Stadium which is unfinished and with the rains already pregnant in the skies poses uncomfortable viewing conditions, exposing fans to harsh weather elements. Given the circumstances that Rwang Pam Township Stadium being remodeled by The Time Is Now Mantra of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang is not yet ready, it is advisable to encourage fans by creating an inclusive and conducive environment that welcomes supporters without imposing prohibitive costs.
e. It is also a known fact that Plateau United matches stimulate local businesses so by keeping ticket prices affordable, Plateau United can secure larger crowds, which will consequently benefit local businesses such as vendors, restaurants, and transporters - In addition to appealing for a reconsideration of ticket prices, I wish to finally suggest that the Club shows a gesture of appreciation to the fans by throwing open the gate for the last home match. This in my considered opinion will not only express gratitude to fans for their stanch support during challenging times but also serves as an avenue for the club to strengthen its relationship with them and build a positive atmosphere at the stadium
- May Plateau United truly succeed on the pitch and in the hearts of its staunch supporters as you kindly consider my patriotic appeal.
Chief Miri Timnan Nyantau (M.T.N),
(Majindadi Gazum 1)
Chairman, Langtang North Amateur Football Association (LAFA), Secretary Forum of Local Government FA Chairmen & Vice Chairman, PFA Media Committee
CC:
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development
Director of Sports, Plateau State
Chairman, Plateau State Football Association
Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN)
