…Says Team Won’t Get Carried Away

Plateau United head coach Gbenga Ogunbote said his team will not be intoxicated by the emphatic win over Kano Pillars on Sunday at the New Jos Stadium.

The host ended the seven-game unbeaten run of the visitors in fine fashion as they put four goals past Daniel Ogunmodede’s side in the biggest victory of matchday 8 of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Ogunbote, while addressing the media after the win, acknowledged his team’s effort against a top side like Kano Pillars but cautioned that they will not be carried away, citing that the league is a marathon.

However, he revealed that the win over Kano Pillars will give his team the confidence and motivation to take on other big teams: Rivers United, reigning champions, Enugu Rangers and Shooting Stars as the league progresses.

“Well, I think one needs not to be carried away; it is just one out of 38 games, but I think the only thing is that [the victory] is motivating, and you can tell the players have enhanced their confidence level, believing that if we can do it against Kano Pillars, we can do it against any team. I think it is a good one for the team together. It was an achievement.”

Gbenga Ogunbote also added that his players were extra motivated given the match was a derby and the need to break Kano Pillars’ unbeaten run – a factor he admitted was enough to give the visitors the confidence to win.

“I think it was a good one for us, so many things played out before the game. First, it was a derby, then they had a seven-game unbeaten run, which is enough to motivate a team to win. That we broke the jinx [the unbeaten run] was a good one for us and like I told you, it [the victory] will just enhance the confidence level of the players.”

Paul Samson and former Sunshine Stars striker Dayo Ojo gave the hosts a 2-0 lead in the first half, while Samuel Ayanrinde and Silas Nenrot got on the scoresheet in the other half to seal the win.

Plateau United moved to the top of the log with 14 points after eight matches, while Kano Pillars dropped to 10th with 11 points.