It was a match decided by grit, set pieces, and two towering headers- and by full-time, it was Gideon Monday’s name echoing around the Jos Stadium as his brace earned Plateau United a 2–1 win over Enyimba.
When the fixture list threw up Plateau United vs Enyimba, it promised a clash between power and poise, as mentioned in our preview, and it delivered every bit of that on a hot-chilly afternoon in Jos. The Peace Boys showed heart, aerial dominance, and resilience to claim another vital home victory.
FIRST HALF: DOMINANCE WITHOUT DECISIVENESS
Plateau United began brightly, dictating the tempo and showing intent from the opening whistle. Within two minutes, a long throw from Tarabina Biweribo found Samuel Kalu, whose shot was blocked before Vincent Temitope recycled possession for another half-chance that went just wide.
The Peace Boys pressed high and kept Enyimba pinned in their own half, with Jonathan Okechukwu, Harrison Ebah, and Kazeem Adeyanju combining well down the right. Kazeem Adeyanju’s deliveries were a constant threat. His free kick in the 10th minute forced the goalkeeper into an awkward save, while Gift Osadebe and Tarabina Biweribo both fired narrowly off target as Plateau searched for the opener.
Vincent Temitope and Samuel Kalu were lively throughout, their interplay creating small gaps in Enyimba’s defence, but the finishing touch remained elusive. The best chance of the half came in the 25th minute when Vincent Temitope’s beautifully struck free kick shaved the upright- the crowd already halfway into celebration.
At the other end, Amah stayed alert, claiming crosses and keeping Enyimba’s rare forays under control. By half-time, Plateau United had dominated territory and chances, but the scoreboard remained goalless.
Half-time: Plateau United 0–0 Enyimba
SECOND HALF: GIDEON TAKES CHARGE
The second half began with intent and two decisive substitutions. Mubarak Usman and Gideon Monday came on for Amietimi Enewarikpemi and Samuel Kalu, and within minutes, the change paid off spectacularly.
In the 49th minute, Mubarak Usman launched one of his trademark long throws into the box, and Gideon Monday rose highest to steer a powerful header past the goalkeeper for 1–0. The roar from the stands said it all, the Peace Boys were ahead, and Jos was rocking.
Plateau United continued to press, with Kazeem Adeyanju dazzling down the flank and Vincent Temitope pressing high up the pitch. But Enyimba eventually drew level in the 67th minute after a brief lapse in concentration at the back.
Parity, however, lasted barely eight minutes.
Another Kazeem Adeyanju corner found Gideon Monday again. With perfect timing and power, he headed home his second of the day to restore Plateau United’s lead and send the crowd into a frenzy. It was a goal that summed up his season – all four of Gideon’s strikes so far have come from headers, confirming his status as a true aerial specialist.
FINAL STAGES: HEART AND DEFENCE
The final minutes were all about control and courage. Saka Gafar nearly added a third, rattling the crossbar after a brilliant solo run from Kazeem Adeyanju, while Chinemerem Ugwueze and Mustapha Abdullahi steadied the rhythm in midfield and defense.
Four minutes of added time felt like four hours, but Plateau United stood tall; winning duels, closing spaces, and clearing their lines with authority. When the final whistle came, there was relief and pride in equal measure.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Peace Boys will hit the road next, travelling to Yenagoa this weekend to face Bayelsa United.
Plateau United currently sit 15th on the NPFL log with 12 points from 10 matches, and Coach Shola Adegun will hope this hard-fought win provides the spark his team needs to climb up the table.
THE TAKEAWAY
This was a victory built on discipline, directness, and set-piece precision. Plateau United may not have carved Enyimba open through intricate play, but they showed heart, structure, and tactical awareness when it mattered most.
Two goals, three points, and another strong statement at home.