Plateau United beat Inter Lagos 2-0 in a Matchday Six Nigeria Premier Football League game at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday, with Gideon Monday and Jibrin Ibrahim scoring in the second half.
The win left Plateau United in second position on the table. Reports say the club is now unbeaten in its last five league matches.
Despite the result, technical adviser Gbenga Ogunbote said the team must improve its goal conversion after missing a number of clear chances in the first half. Ogunbote made his remarks to the club media following the game.
“I think it is worrisome, no doubt. Every coach wants to win from the first minute of the game, but sometimes anxiety and other factors can affect a team,” Ogunbote said, according to Complete Sports. “In the first half, I think we were wasteful. It has been a problem not only for Plateau United; it is something that affects other clubs too.”
Complete Sports reported that the Peace Boys missed several clear-cut opportunities in the first half that could have made the scoreline more emphatic earlier on. Daily Post also noted the side wasted a number of clear chances.
Ogunbote told the club media that the squad is more settled compared with last season and has a different target this campaign. He described last season as a “rescue mission” and said this season is about making an impact and winning honours.
“They are two different assignments. Last season was a rescue mission; this season is a tournament to make an impact and win laurels,” Ogunbote said, according to Complete Sports.
The coach added that the league is a long campaign and urged his players to keep working hard. He said success depends on continued hard work and supporter backing.
“No secret, other than hard work. If there is a level playing ground, everything will go on smoothly,” Ogunbote said. “Maybe we will go unbeaten for a long time, but it is too early to say. The league is a marathon, and we must not get carried away with this result.”
Daily Post reported Plateau United occupy second place with 11 points from six matches. Complete Sports gave the unbeaten run detail as three wins and two draws during the five-game streak.
Plateau United will look to build on the win and address finishing issues as the league continues.
Sources: Complete Sports, Daily Post.
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