DAVID ONOVO HAILS PLATEAU UNITED SPIRITED PERFORMANCE IN IBADAN

Originally scheduled to be the curtain raiser for the new league season - Plateau United traveled from Jos to Ibadan to take on five time Nigerian Premier Football Leaguewinners Shooting Stars at the Lekan Salami stadium in a fixture postponed thrice in a bid to resume the top flight. A game that would also feature last season's NPFL TransferMarket NPFL March forward of the month and new Plateau United signing David Onovo.

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After bagging nine goals + assists in all competitions for Sunshine Stars David Onovo completed a move in the summer to Plateau United as a free agent. The ex Akwa United man started his first available game for his new coach Magnus Magnut in an unfortunate 2-1 loss to the Oluyole Warriors

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the electrifying kickoff of the new season!
Today in Ibadan, we witness a rematch of last year's explosive season opener, where @oluyolewarriors and Plateau United left you in awe with a thrilling 3-3 draw. #SHOPLA#NPFL24@NigeriaPFL pic.twitter.com/d3y4UXCXDH

— PlateauUnitedFC (@plateau_united) September 30, 2023

Coach Gbenga Ogunbote of Shooting Stars introduced five debutants as the Oluyole Warriors began their quest for glory in the 2023/24 season. Captained by Malomo Taofeek, the team made it clear from the start that they aimed to secure maximum points. They took the game to their opponents, who, in response, reinforced their defense to thwart the home team's attacks.

After several attempts, the breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute when Ayobami Adekunle headed in a cross from the left-back, Isiaka Olawale. The Oluyole Warriors held onto their narrow lead as both teams headed to the locker room for halftime.

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In the second half, Shooting Stars picked up where they left off, pressing for a second goal. However, Plateau United defended resolutely to fend off their advances. In a bid to secure that elusive second goal, Coach Ogunbote substituted Adekunle and Akpan with Anayor Ogbonna and Douglass Archiv.

This substitution proved effective as Anayor found himself in the right place to slot home the second goal, with Olawale Mutiu once again providing the assist. Shortly after, Uche Onwuasoanya capitalized on a lapse in concentration by the home team and reduced the deficit in the 77th minute.

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While Shooting Stars couldn't find the much-desired third goal, they managed to prevent Plateau United, led by Daniel Itodo, from equalizing, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory.

The opening games are always very tough to win but today we showed the spirit right until the very end. You could see how quickly we fought back to half the deficit when most thought we were getting weaker. Rest assured with the fantastic team here and manager we will get a better result against Heartland next Sunday - David Onovo said while speaking to NPFL TransferMarket after the game.

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The result now takes the Jos based outfit to 15th on the table with a game on this weekend against Heartland presenting them with a chance at home against to have a proper and even better start to the season in which Onovo who scored a massive 75% of his G+A contribution in home games with Sunshine Stars last season will look forward to.

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