It was a match defined by an early spark, injury setbacks, and fine margins, and despite a committed display in Yenagoa, Plateau United fell 2–1 to Bayelsa United.
When the fixture was confirmed, it promised intensity and it delivered.
The Peace Boys started brightly, took an early lead, and fought throughout, but key moments and forced substitutions shifted the momentum.
FIRST HALF — BRIGHT START, EARLY BLOW
Plateau United wasted no time announcing their intent. In just the 2nd minute, a long throw from Tarabina Biweribo found Gideon Monday, who rose highest to head home and hand the Peace Boys the perfect start.
Confidence flowed as Kazeem Adeyanju and Vincent Temitope caused problems on the wings, while Harrison Ebah, Mustapha Abdullahi, Amietimi Enewarikpemi and Bala Favour stayed solid at the back. Saka Gafar and Tarabina remained dangerous in set-piece situations.
Momentum shifted when injuries forced early changes. Harrison Ebah made way for Mubarak Usman in the 15th minute, and Gideon Monday was replaced by Samuel Kalu in the 33rd minute after a knee knock.
Despite good control and attacking intent, Plateau United could not extend the lead. Bayelsa equalised through Eno James in the 38th minute following sustained pressure. The Peace Boys continued to search for openings, but the hosts defended well heading into the break.
Half-time: Bayelsa United 1–1 Plateau United
SECOND HALF — FINE MARGINS DECIDE THE CONTEST
Early in the second half, Wisdom Ndon and Chinemerem Ugwueze joined the action replacing Jonathan Okechukwu and Kazeem Adeyanju as the Peace Boys looked to maintain their tempo and attacking threat.
The contest remained tight until the 56th minute when a moment of hesitation after a collision involving Kalu Samuel and Saka Gafar opened the door for Bayelsa to take the lead. Plateau United responded by pushing forward aggressively, with Amietimi’s strike hitting the side netting and Mubarak Usman and Vincent Temitope delivering promising crosses into the area. Tarabina continued to threaten from long throws and set pieces, keeping the hosts alert defensively.
Fresh legs, including Aboh Daniel replacing Amietimi Enewarikpemi, added energy late on, but the equaliser proved elusive despite continuous pressure and attacking phases.
Full-time: Bayelsa United 2–1 Plateau United
THE TAKEAWAY
A fast start, strong attitude, and determination carried the team, but injuries and fine margins made the difference on the day. The performance showed character and commitment, and the Peace Boys will look to bounce back strongly in front of their fans in Jos.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Peace Boys return to Jos to prepare for their next NPFL fixture against Bendel Insurance. With lessons to take from the performance, the focus now shifts to converting effort into points on home turf.