Kwara United Football Club today defeated Plateau United 2-0 in the opening game of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), at the New Jos Stadium.
Goals from Jide Fatokun and Ohanu Michael both in the 64th and 67th minutes respectively, separated the two sides.
Jide Fatokun scored from inside the box through a corner kick, after Plateau United player failed to clear his line.
Three minutes later, Ohanu, who replaced Kabir Adeniji minutes earlier, nodded home a mid-air pull out from Kabir Balogun, to make it two.
Plateau United had started the match hoping to redeem their image following their ouster from the continental competition, but were unable to break the tight Kwara United defence led by Flying Eagles defender, Chris Nwanze.
Chris Nwanze, Bashir Monsuru, Deji Bamidele, with Taiwo Salaudeen and Muritala Lawal in the sides provided enough cover for goalkeeper Lateef Ishola, who was at his best in the crucial encounter.
As the minutes count, Plateau United were desperate to score. They also continued with the onslaught in the second half, but the visitors contained them gradually, as they make mistake after mistake.
Kwara United made all five changes, with Samuel Ganda replacing injured Muritala Lawal in the first half. Kalu Nweke also came in for mesmerizing Kamal Sikiru, while Ohanu came in for Kabir Adeniji.
Shola Abdulraheem and Afeez Musa were also introduced later in the game. They replaced both injured Deji Bamidele and Kabir Balogun.
Kwara United Coach, Abdullahi Biffo said that despite the victory, there are rooms for improvement for his team, and that he would not be carried away by the away win.
While describing Plateau United as a good team, he praised his boys for rising to the occasion when it mattered most.
Kwara United will now play Enyimba FC in Ilorin in their next game.
