Tag: Plateau United

The case of a former Plateau United goalkeeper whose identity is being shielded, has now been raised to full investigation that will involve the invitation of some players whose names were mentioned during the inquest. However, the suspension of the goalkeeper from registering by any club for the season has been lifted pending the outcome of the escalated investigation.

An inquest to ascertain the veracity of the allegations was held on Thursday last week during which the goalkeeper appeared with his legal representative at the NPFL office in Abuja.

“The NPFL has now written to commend the player for cooperating with the panel and offering further insights that has necessitated a wider investigation involving some others” disclosed Davidson Owumi, the NPFL Chief Operating Officer who led the inquest.

Read Also: NFF extends tenure of NPFL, NNL, NLO boards

In a written communication to the player, the NPFL stated that the information obtained during the inquest and other independent findings has led to the expansion to a full investigation that will involve all those whose names featured in some WhatsApp exchanges that are in the possession of the league.

“It is only fair that your career is not jeopardised while investigation hasn’t been concluded, hence the suspension placed on your registration in the NPFL has been lifted. You are free to register for any club of your choice. We thank you for your prompt response and cooperation”, a letter to the player read.

The goalkeeper had been invited to an investigative panel set up by the NPFL to determine his culpability or innocence in allegations of involvement in illegal betting.

The NPFL had received a report that the player declined to sign a contract form at Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) which had a clause forbidden participation in betting activities.

The player had his registration with any NPFL club suspended pending the conclusion of investigations.

Plateau United and Kano Pillars have booked their places in the final of the Gusau-Ahlan Preseason Tournament after convincing victories in the semi-finals played yesterday at the Lafia Township Stadium.

In the first semi-final clash, Plateau United dispatched Nasarawa United with a solid 2-0 win. Goals from Joshua Dabo in the 49^th  minute and Maren Kefas in the 64^th  minute ensured the Peace Boys advanced to the championship match.

Read Also: NFF to partner  with FRSC for International Youth Day programme

The second semi-final saw Kano Pillars edge past Wikki Tourists with a commanding 2-0 performance. Chiedozie Okorie opened the scoring in the 20th minute, while veteran forward Ahmed Musa sealed the win with a penalty in stoppage time (90+3’), leaving Wikki Tourists with little room for a comeback.

The Gusau-Ahlan Cup serves as a vital preseason competition, giving Nigerian clubs an opportunity to fine-tune their squads ahead of the new league season. The highly anticipated final between Plateau United and Kano Pillars promises to be a thrilling encounter between two top-tier sides.

Niger Tornadoes midfielder Victor Okoro  believes the Ikon Allah Boys 2-0 loss to Nasarawa United last weekend  was  just a temporary setback.

Okoro disclosed that the club would go back home and prepare for their next game with their sight on returning to winning ways.

The Enugu-born midfielder, believes the team has a mental strength and determination to bounce back in their next upcoming matchday 23 clash against Plateau United, this Sunday.

” It’s really difficult that we were unable to secure a positive result, but  it is not uncommon for teams to experience setbacks in football,” Victor said.

” However, I believe that we have the mental strength and determination to respond those challenges, I’m confidence that the team  possess the resilience needed to overcome this hurdles.”

” We’ll do our best to put up a good performance to have the chance of securing the maximum points against  Plateau United, and to get our campaign back on track,” he concluded.

In a related development,  Plateau United has tasked its  Technical Adviser, Mbwas Mangut and his coaching team to win the next three games or face the labour market.

Read Also: Ex-NFF protocol officer decorated  with new NIS rank

This was contained in a statement by the club’s Director, Media Operations, Yaksat Maklek.

The directive stated: “The decision followed the Culmination of a high-powered meeting involving the club’s General Manager, Habila Hosea Mutla and Management Staff on Monday, February 3, in Jos, following a string of disappointing results.

“According to Mutla, it is hoped that this decision comes with the intensity needed to drive the Club’s fortunes upward as well as satisfy a result-hungry fan base.

“He added that this decision followed a careful examination of key matters leading up to the poor performance thus far. “Plateau United face Niger Tornadoes of Minna, El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri and Ikorodu City of Lagos in the next three NPFL25 games.”

Enyimba put behind their woes in the CAF Confederation Cup to secure an important away draw in Jos against Plateau United in a rearranged Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 18 tie played yesterday.

The People’s Elephant could not honour the game last weekend because they just returned from Maputo where they were trapped  for about a week due to political upheaval in Mozambique after their   3-0 loss  to Black Bulls  in their  CAF Confederation Cup tie.

Read Also: Ex-Eagles Sunday Stephen fetes widows in Lagos

They landed in Abuja last weekend  to prepare for the tie played under closed doors but both Plateau United and Enyimba  settle for  a goalless draw at the New Jos Stadium.

With the draw, Enyimba are 11^th  on the log with 23 points but they have three games at hand excluding next Tuesday’s home tie with Bendel Insurance in Aba while Plateau United are 17^th  with 19 points.

The Peace Boys will travel to Port Harcourt as guests of Rivers United  next Monday.

Plateau United FC have announced an official three-week break for the main team following the culmination of NPFL24 season.

General manager, Habila Hosea Mutla announced this in a meeting with all players and technical team  at the New Stadium, Zaria road, Jos.

The General manager asked that the players go back home on break to reflect seriously on their  future investments as well as performance in the season under review.

He thanked them for their performances that  ensured the team placed fifth at the end of the season but expressed dissatisfaction on the team’s inability to secure a continental spot even as he  thanked members of the technical crew for their invaluable efforts during the season.

He however made clear of plans to fix a date for official thanksgiving prayers for a safe and fruitful end of season.

Read Also: African Football Confederation (CAF)

Mutla added that he will make a number of  changes in the team’s technical crew comprising the men’s  main team, women’s and the youth team respectively to enhance efficiency.

He said, the aim is to ensure that the club and fans target of reaching very laudable heights come next season, is achieved.

Meanwhile, Mutla  equally announced that Abel Iliya, ceases to be the Team Manager of Plateau United FC henceforth following  the appointment of Ibrahim Title as new Team Manager with immediate effect.

Plateau United FC Technical Adviser, Mbwas Mangut advised the players to ensure they get enough rest to enhance recuperation ahead of next season’s challenges amidst charges to ensure that their weight levels are kept in check to enhance quick integration to pre- season routines.

Mbwas thanked the players for their commitment throughout the season and wished them well ahead of next season.

Fans hoping to watch the Kwara United versus Plateau United tie tomorrow  at the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin will do so without paying a dime following the directive from the Kwara State Government for the stadium’s games to be thrown open. 

Kwara United have been struggling at home with only three wins from seven games played before their fans and to ensure the Harmony Boys turn the corner, the state government directed that the fans should watch the game free of charge.

The press release from the club’s Media Department stated that the move became necessary to ensure Kwara United do not lack support against Plateau United

Read Also: Rangers vs Plateau United: Maikaba eyes repeat of 2018 Federation Cup glory

“This measure is to ensure more crowd support for the Harmony Boys, as well as give Kwarans and supporters of Kwara United from across the state and beyond an opportunity to come out en masse and watch and cheer their darling club to victory,” the press release stated.  

“The management of Kwara United therefore appeal to would be spectators to conduct themselves peacefully and remain law abiding before, during and after the match.”

Kwara United are placed 14th on the league table with 16 points from 14 games.