The first competitive test for Oluwasola Adegun is here. The Peace Boys hit the road to Bauchi in their opening fixture for the NPFL26 campaign against newly promoted Wikki Tourists and the questions in the air are many. Can the new boys shine under pressure? Will the old flames light up when it matters?
New Boys in the Spotlight
Every season introduces new names to chant in the stadium, new numbers to scribble on matchday notes. This year, Wisdom Ndon and Joshua Dabo could be that pair. The chemistry is there- tough in duels, calm on the ball, and they remind fans of that legendary “Ikefe–Buhari” wall that gave attackers sleepless nights.
Then there’s Gideon Monday. A striker with dynamism, molded in the Vandrezzer school of football, where attacking flair is drilled into players. He’s got movement, grit, and the kind of hunger that unsettles defenders.
On the flanks of defense, Mubarak Usman is still raw, still learning, but there’s a spark. Not polished yet, but fans know talent when they see it. He has the makings of someone who can grow into his own.
In midfield, Kazeem Adeyanju could become the engine Adegun needs. He’s the runner, the connector, the one who drives the ball and creates the overloads. His hard work is the glue that turns a set of players into a functioning team.
Up front, the return of Albert Hilary is a big one. The striker bullied defenders last 23/24 NPFL season, scoring 12 goals. He has the body, the fight, the work rate- and if he finds his boots early this season, United’s attack will carry menace.
At left-back, Jonathan Davou brings something different. Not the flashiest, but he has his own rhythm, his own tempo. As the Yoruba saying goes, “Ema pariwo” – don’t make noise, just watch out.
And let’s not forget Victor Dawa, fresh back from a knee injury. Last season, he was Mr. Reliable, the one Adegun could count on in big moments. Now, he’ll be itching to remind everyone why.
Science Meets Skill
Someone once said football is becoming more science than skill. Maybe they’re right. For Plateau United this season, it’s not just about individual brilliance but how these pieces fit together. Preseason in Lafia showed glimpses- defensive steel, squad depth, flashes of attacking promise. Now comes the real test: can these Peace Boys turn preparation into points?
The Road Ahead
Wikki Tourists may be newly promoted, but they have been in the topflight a few times and certainly with an experienced NPFL man and former Plateau boss Abdul Maikaba on their bench, this is no small test. He knows the Peace Boys, knows their strengths, knows how to set traps. For Adegun, it’s not just about tactics- it’s about mentality. Starting the season strong sends a message: Plateau United are not just here to compete, they are here to contend.
The sweat from Lafia’s preseason must now translate into three points in Bauchi. New faces will need to rise, old names must deliver, and the Peace Boys must show they are ready for the marathon ahead.
Because in NPFL football, beginnings matter.
Just by Rhairom Zamora