Ogunbote Unhappy With Plateau United's Wastefulness Despite 2-0 Win

Plateau United coach Gbenga Ogunbote has told his players to sharpen their finishing, even after a 2-0 win over Inter Lagos in a matchday six game at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday.

Gideon Monday and Jibrin Ibrahim scored in the second half to seal the win for the Peace Boys. The scoreline could have been far more comfortable, though, as Plateau wasted several clear chances in the first half that would have settled the game much earlier.

Ogunbote did not hide his concern after the final whistle.

"I think it is worrisome, no doubt. Every coach wants to win from the first minute of the game, but sometimes anxiety and other factors can affect a team," he told the media. "In the first half, I think we were wasteful. It has been a problem not only for Plateau United; it is something that affects other clubs too. Honestly, we need to work seriously on it so that we can take our chances and, at least, remove pressure from our game. We will keep working on it until we get it right."

The result lifts Plateau United to second place in the table, a big step up from last season, when the club had to fight off relegation before finally securing their top-flight status. Ogunbote feels the team is now more settled and has bigger goals this time round.

"They are two different assignments. Last season was a rescue mission; this season is a tournament to make an impact and win laurels," he said. "So, we should expect that we have a better team than we had last season. I think it is still a work in progress."

Plateau are now unbeaten in five league games, with three wins and two draws in that run. Even so, Ogunbote is careful not to get carried away and wants his players to stay grounded.

"No secret, other than hard work. If there is a level playing ground, everything will go on smoothly," he said. "Maybe we will go unbeaten for a long time, but it is too early to say. The league is a marathon, and we must not get carried away with this result. We hope and pray it continues. We hope the supporters will rally around us and keep supporting us. That will give us the confidence to do more."