Plateau United finally breathed life into their faltering season on Sunday with a hard-fought 2–0 victory over Remo Stars at the Zaria Road Stadium, and for head coach Shola Adegun, the result was a huge relief.
After enduring three straight defeats that left the club bottom of the NPFL table, Adegun’s men showed renewed fight and purpose, earning their first points of the campaign in front of their home fans. Goals from Tarabina Biweribo and Mafeng Pam in the second half ensured the Pride of Plateau climbed off the foot of the standings to 18th place.
Speaking after the game, Adegun admitted the opening weeks had been “heartbreaking,” but praised his players and technical crew for their unity in difficult times.
“Today was more about getting the three points, and we are happy we did that eventually,” Adegun said. “The first half was a bit nostalgic, but we played better in the second half. This first win takes some pressure off the team. Just like I’ve said in the last two games, we are working very hard to improve. It’s a work in progress, and we are asking for patience while we keep building a team we will all be proud of.”
The coach also highlighted the resilience shown by his squad, crediting their halftime self-motivation as the spark that turned the match in their favour.
“At halftime, the players really challenged and inspired themselves, and the energy in the second half was a reflection of their desire to win,” he added.
For Adegun, the clean sheet was just as important as the goals, proof that his side is beginning to tighten up defensively after conceding heavily in earlier games.
While the win may not erase the struggles of their shaky start, it has restored belief within the camp. Adegun insists the journey is far from complete but sees this as a crucial step towards stabilising and rebuilding Plateau United into a side capable of competing at the highest level once again.
Story Credit: GOLD MARKUS