Ogunbote Reveals Why Plateau United Lost 2-0 to Rivers United
Plateau United technical adviser Gbenga Ogunbote has blamed the playing surface at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt for his side’s 2-0 defeat to Rivers United in their opening game of the new NPFL season.
The Peace Boys struggled to find their rhythm as the hosts secured all three points on home soil, with Abdulrasheed Dabai and Wasiu Falolu getting on the scoresheet for Rivers United.
Ogunbote Unhappy With First-Half Display
Ogunbote admitted that Plateau United failed to perform at the required level during the first half, forcing the coaching staff to make adjustments after the break.
According to the coach, his players were slow to react and struggled to execute their plans effectively in the opening period.
“The first half we didn’t get the game right but the corrections were made in the second half,” Ogunbote said.
He added that the team looked much more balanced after the interval but found it difficult to play their preferred style because of the condition of the pitch.
“We were able to play like a more balanced side in the second half but unfortunately the field didn’t allow it.”
Plateau United Look to Bounce Back
Despite the disappointing result, Ogunbote believes his team can take useful lessons from the defeat as they prepare for their next NPFL fixture.
He acknowledged that their reaction during the match was not good enough but insisted that the result should serve as a learning experience for the squad.
“Our reaction was a little slow and poor. The game is gone; we will take positives from it in the next game.”
Plateau United will now turn their attention to their next league match as they look to put the defeat behind them and begin their campaign on a stronger note.
