By Jeremiah Ola
Plateau United’s 2025/2026 season got off to a frustrating start as they fell 1-0 to Wikki Tourists at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi. Despite a much-improved second-half performance, the Peace Boys were unable to find the equalizer and had to settle for defeat away from home.
The game started at a high tempo, with Wikki Tourists controlling early possession and testing Plateau United’s defense. In the 14th minute, a goalkeeping error almost gifted the home side an early lead, but quick reactions from the defenders kept the score level. Plateau United gradually began to grow into the game, pushing forward through Mafeng Pam and Kalu Samuel, but their early attacks were off target.
Wikki Tourists launched a brilliant attack in the 26th minute, only for Plateau United’s goalkeeper Amah John to produce a world-class save to maintain parity. The Peace Boys’ defenders displayed excellent discipline throughout the first half, clearing every threat confidently, including set pieces. Wikki thought they had scored in the 32nd minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Plateau United won their first corner in the 35th minute, delivered by Kalu Samuel, with Dabo Joshua attempting an acrobatic effort that went wide.
The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute when Harrison Ebah handled the ball in the box after a save from Amah John, giving Wikki Tourists a penalty. The spot-kick was calmly converted, sending Amah John the wrong way and putting Plateau United behind at halftime. Despite trailing, the visitors had shown solid defensive organization reminiscent of their pre-season performances at the Ahlan Gusau Tournament.
The second half saw Plateau United come out with renewed energy, pressing higher up the pitch and creating multiple opportunities. In the 55th minute, another well-worked attack from Wikki was denied by Amah John’s superb reflexes. Plateau United countered quickly, and Kalu Samuel narrowly missed the target in the 57th minute. Disaster struck in the 60th minute when captain Albert Hilary went down injured, forcing an early substitution for Saka Gafar. Later, the coach made a triple change to inject fresh energy, bringing on Gideon Monday, Gift Osadebe, and Kazeem Adeyanju. These changes sparked Plateau United, and Kazeem Adeyanju tested the goalkeeper in the 75th minute, only to see his shot comfortably saved.
The Peace Boys continued to press and won successive corners in the 80th minute, but Wikki’s defense held firm. Mubaraq Usman came on for Harrison Ebah as Plateau United chased the equalizer. Amah John continued to shine, making a series of crucial saves and keeping his side in the game. Five minutes of added time were signaled, but despite a strong finish, Plateau United could not break through, and the match ended 1-0 to Wikki Tourists.
While the defeat was disappointing, Plateau United’s second-half display highlighted their resilience and potential. Going forward, they will need to improve in attack, but their defensive organization and discipline were encouraging signs. The Peace Boys will look to build on this performance when they return home to face Katsina United in their next fixture, aiming to secure their first points of the season.
