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Performing Coach Gbenga Ogunbote Lists People Behind Plateau United fc Upsurge As Coach Baba Ganaru Keeps Faith
After taking Plateau United FC from the danger zone to a more respectable 10th place finish, Head coach of Plateau United F.C., Gbenga Ogunbote, has praised the collective efforts of the government, players, staff, supporters, and the media following his side’s crucial 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars F.C. which secured the club’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) status.
Speaking after the decisive encounter, Ogunbote described the survival mission as a difficult but successful journey, noting that escaping relegation required unity and sacrifice from all stakeholders connected to the club.
According to him, maintaining Plateau United’s top-flight status was not the responsibility of one individual alone, but a collective task embraced by the entire football family around the club.
“The maintaining of the NPFL status was a collective responsibility from the government, staff, players, and the media who were always projecting the team in a good light and supporting us,” Ogunbote stated.
The experienced tactician admitted that the rescue project came with enormous pressure and emotional strain, revealing that it was the sixth time in his coaching career he had gone for a rescue mission but it this that he had to wait until the final day of the season to secure survival.
“The rescue project took a great toil which didn’t come with ease. This is the sixth rescue mission that I have had but it was this I had to wait till the last day to maintain NPFL status, but we thank God it was a success,” he added.
Ogunbote further commended the sponsors of the club, the dedication shown by his players, the unwavering backing of sports writers, and the loyalty of the fans throughout the difficult campaign, especially at a time many doubted the team’s chances of survival.
“I need to commend the sponsors of the team, the players’ commitment, the unwavering support of the sports writers even when nobody believed we could escape relegation, and the fans too for standing by us,” he said.
With survival now secured, the Plateau United coach shifted attention to the upcoming Federation Cup scheduled for June 1, expressing optimism that the competition presents another opportunity for the club to finish the season strongly.
“The next is the Federation Cup which is on the 1st of June and an avenue to get things right. We hope to get our hands on it. After then, we see how we begin preparation for the next step,” Ogunbote noted.
The victory ensured Plateau United finished 10th on the NPFL table at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Baba Ganaru, head coach of Kano Pillars, also expressed gratitude despite his team’s defeat, appreciating God for helping the club avoid relegation.
Ganaru explained that he took over at Kano Pillars during a difficult period for the club, with a clear mandate to preserve their NPFL status — a target he believes was achieved successfully.
“I came to Pillars when things were not rosy for the club and the mandate was to avoid the drop, which we have achieved,” he said.
The Kano Pillars coach added that the focus would now shift towards rebuilding and preparing the team for the next football season.
Credit :Nathaniel Mobolade
