They say little drops of water make a mighty ocean but in this case it is a little drop of sweat that will yield the results wanted. This is the case of Plateau United’s new structure and an overhauled team.
The little drops of sweat seen in the training is what the fans expect to bring home the league title at season end. And a little of the process to clinch the title was showcased at the just concluded Alhasan/Gusau preseason tournament in Lafia.
The Peace Boys under the leadership of new boss, Sola Adegun proved that indeed little drops make an ocean. The team did begin very slowly but quickly rose up to the occasion as a potential team that could battle the very best of the land despite just being together for a short period.
Plateau United may have finished runners-up in the preseason tournament after losing finals on penalties 5-4 to Kano Pillars, but their outing showed defensive steel and signs of progress under coach Oluwasola Adegun.
Adegun rotated his squad heavily across the games, fielding a different starting XI in every match. The rotation asserts the amount of quality and squad depth the new gaffer has put together in a short time.While goals were sometimes hard to come by, the Peace Boys demonstrated defensive solidity and improved cohesion as the tournament wore on.
Peace Boys Lay Solid Foundations in the Group Stage
Plateau United’s tournament began with a cagey 0-0 draw against Cynosure FC, a lower-league side known for their physicality and defensive compactness. Adegun’s men looked sharp in keeping possession and stringing passes together but couldn’t find the finishing touch.
The highlight of the group stage for the team came against NPFL side, Kano Pillars. Samuel Kalu and Albert Hilary struck in a 2-1 victory that underlined United’s dominance and attacking potential.
The Peace Boys controlled midfield and pressed with intensity, giving fans a glimpse of what this team could become. A final group clash against One Discovery FC ended goalless but Adegun used the opportunity to rotate. With an entirely different starting XI, the focus was on testing squad depth rather than chasing three points.
Peace Boys hold breath in Penalty drama
After one sublime performance in the group stage which saw the Peace Boys defeat Pillars, the quarterfinal clash against FC Basira was rightly tense and tight. Both teams are regional rivals. However, Basira are still fighting for promotion to the topflight as they will remain in the second division for yet another season. They still gave United a run for their money.
Chances were scarce, but Plateau United showed discipline to keep their defensive line intact. The game ended 0-0, and nerves were tested in the shootout.
United converted five penalties with composure to seal a 5-4 win. It was a moment that highlighted the mental strength of Adegun’s squad, proving that even when not at their best, they can grind out results.
Half of two for Peace Boys
The semifinal against Nasarawa United showed both the flaws and strengths of the Peace Boys.
The first half was disappointing- Plateau looked slow, lethargic, and were second-best in key duels. But Adegun’s halftime adjustments changed the tempo. Suddenly, the Peace Boys came alive, pressing higher and attacking with purpose.
Goals from Maren Kefas and Joshua Dabo sealed a 2-0 victory, sending Plateau into the final. It was a display of resilience, tactical flexibility, and character- the kind of turnaround that can define a season.
Peace Boys Final Heartbreak Against Familiar Foes
In the final, Plateau United once again faced Kano Pillars, this time in a tense, physical battle. A red card in the second half to Kazeem Adeyanju after winning the ball cleanly from Rabiu Ali threw the Peace Boys off, but Adegun’s men showed maturity and discipline to stay organized till the final whistle.
Neither side found the breakthrough as the game ended 0-0.
Penalties will eventually be the decider and as they say Penalties is anyone’s game. Unluckily, Plateau missed their opening spot-kick, and Pillars capitalized to lift the trophy. For all their resilience, United were left to imagine what might have been winning an intense battle but they keep their heads high as they are a work in progress.
Defensively, the numbers tell the story of a well-drilled side. Across six games, they conceded just one goal in regulation time. Adegun’s backline looked settled, Wisdom Ndon, Dabo Joshua, Amietimi Enewarikpemi, Tarabina Biweribo, Mustapha Abdullahi, Harrison Ebah, Jonathan Davou, Abdulmutalif Sanusi all marshaled the defense like their lives depended on it, and goalkeepers Amah John and Domnan Panse, made some fantastic saves to give assurances as the last line of the defense.
Despite the rotation, these players showed why they were brought into the fold. They were ready to fight for the badge and play for the team. Might just be a preseason to impress the coach ahead of the league season but that is exactly what a young and new team like United need at this time. A perfect squad depth of players that can fit in all the time like a round peg in a round hole.
However, if there is one area that still needs sharpening, it’s the team’s attack. While Kalu Samuel, Albert Hilary, Maren Kefas and Dabo Joshua provided important goals, Plateau struggled to consistently turn dominance into clear-cut chances.
Goalless draws against Cynosure, One Discovery FC, and Pillars in the final suggest there is room for improvement in breaking down stubborn defenses. Adegun will need his midfielders to develop more chemistry and clinical edge before the season kicks off.
Long season ahead, Can the Peace Boys stand the test of time
Overall, Plateau United left Lafia with their heads held high. The preseason campaign gave Adegun a chance to test his squad, instill discipline, and build confidence ahead of the new campaign.
The Peace Boys are not a finished product yet but they have shown in their performances that this is a team growing in maturity and quality.
The message from Lafia? Plateau United can compete at the big stage and even aim high if all errors are corrected ahead of the 2025/2026 NPFL season.
Attention shifts to the season opening fixture on August 24, where Plateau United will travel to Bauchi to face newly promoted side Wikki Tourists who are coached by Plateau United’s former boss, Abdul Maikaba. Adegun and his team will look to turn preseason lessons into a strong league start as they begin on the road.
When push comes to shove, can they dig deep to stand the test, or will they get swallowed in the depth of the pressure? Only time will tell, but the newly put-together team has shown promise. We can only hope they get to the height of it.
Picture Credit @Plateau United Media