Plateau United must respond after Enyimba defeat, says Ogunbote

Plateau United technical adviser Gbenga Ogunbote has told his players to move on from their 2-0 defeat by Enyimba and respond in their next NPFL fixture.

The Peace Boys were beaten by the nine-time NPFL champions in their Matchday 7 encounter in Aba on Sunday, with Ifeanyi Ihemekwele and Richard Ezinne scoring for the home side.

Plateau United had travelled with the aim of taking all three points, but were unable to convert their early control of the match into a positive result.

“It was unfortunate. We came here with a different notion, but unfortunately, we lost the game,” Ogunbote told the media after the match.

His side dominated the opening exchanges, but their influence faded as the contest developed. Ogunbote acknowledged that Plateau United had allowed an opportunity to secure a result to escape them.

“I don’t want to use the word complacency or unnecessary overconfidence. Honestly, that was just it. We had the game in our hands, but unfortunately, through our arrogance, we lost it,” he said.

The defeat was made more difficult by an injury to key player Ibrahim Yahaya, who will miss Plateau United’s following match.

“Another disappointing thing is that we lost a key player, Ibrahim Yahaya, to injury. He won’t be available for the next game,” said Ogunbote.

Despite the setback, the technical adviser urged his squad to take lessons from the performance rather than dwell on the result.

“But be that as it may, that’s part of the game. We have to move on, take the positives from the game, make amends, and move forward,” he added.

Plateau United’s opportunity to recover will come at home against Kano Pillars in their next NPFL fixture. The match will be played at the New Jos Stadium.