Enyimba’s trip to Jos ended in disappointment as the People’s Elephant fell 2–1 to Plateau United in an intense NPFL encounter at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday evening. It was a game of fine margins and defensive lapses, with all the drama packed into a physically demanding ninety minutes that tested both sides’ character and discipline.
With Joseph Atule handed the captain’s armband and Fabian Nworie handed his debut, Enyimba started brightly, showing intent and energy in the early stages. The opening exchanges saw both teams create half-chances with Edidiong Ezekiel and Bassey John coming close for Enyimba, while Plateau United’s Samuel Kalu, captaining his side, kept Dede Dare alert with efforts from distance. The Elephants gradually settled into their rhythm, trading physical battles in midfield and resisting the home side’s long-ball tactics. Despite the host’s flurry of corners and aggressive pressing, Peter Afolayan and Nworie stood firm at the back to keep the scores level at halftime.
After a goalless first half, the home side drew first blood in the 50th minute through one of their trademark long throws. The ball sailed into the box and was turned home by Gideon Monday amidst confusion in the Enyimba defence, a moment of slack marking that proved costly. Enyimba responded with urgency, pushing forward through Atule, Quadri, and Ezekiel, but clear chances were few as Plateau’s defenders closed ranks. Ezekiel saw one of his efforts cleared off the line, and Bassey John’s header from a free kick agonizingly missed the target.
Coach Stanley Eguma made a triple substitution just after the hour mark, introducing Joseph Abiodun, Jacob Jonathan, and Isaah Mohammed for Joseph Atule, Quadri, and Bassey John, a decision that immediately paid off. Substitute Jacob Jonathan restored parity in the 67th minute with a well-placed finish following good work from the midfield. The goal lifted Enyimba’s tempo, but the hosts refused to relent. Within eight minutes, Plateau United regained their lead as the Elephants’ defenders once again failed to track their runners from a set piece, allowing Gideon Monday another free header past Dede Dare.
Despite late pressure from Enyimba, including a deflected effort from Joseph Abidoun that forced the our first corner of the game, Plateau United held on and managed the closing moments expertly, using defensive compactness to frustrate our attempts at a comeback.
The result leaves Enyimba still searching for their next away victory folloeing a win at Bayelsa, and while there were flashes of promise, particularly from debutant Nworie and the substitutes, defensive discipline remains an area of concern.
We will now turn their attention to our next fixture, a home game against Kano Pillars, with a determination to translate possession and pressure into points.
