Mighty Jets Feeders revived their Nigeria National League (NNL) promotion hopes with a deserved 1-0 victory over La-Planet FC in their second match of the NLO North Central Promotion Playoffs at the Lafia Township Stadium.
After suffering defeat in their opening fixture, Jets produced one of their best performances, dominating possession for long periods and creating numerous scoring opportunities before Dauda Yakubu’s second-half header finally separated the two sides.
First Half – Total Control Without Reward
Mighty Jets Feeders settled into the contest quickly and controlled the early exchanges, pinning La-Planet FC deep inside their own half.
The Plateau side repeatedly won free-kicks in dangerous positions but struggled to convert their set-piece opportunities, with Isaac Wang’s early effort comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper.
Despite dominating possession, clear-cut chances were initially hard to come by. A dangerous cross from Ibedu Tochukwu came closest to breaking the deadlock when it struck the post, while Enoch Boyi’s direct free-kick sailed wide.
The best opportunity of the half arrived in the 32nd minute when a perfectly weighted long ball sent Imoh Saturday Bassey through on goal. However, with only the goalkeeper to beat, his attempted dink drifted over the crossbar.
Joel Yilkang also threatened from a dangerous free-kick late in the half before Enoch Boyi headed the resulting corner wide as Mighty Jets continued to pile on the pressure.
Despite their dominance, they went into the break frustrated after failing to convert their superiority into goals, while La-Planet FC offered very little going forward.
Second Half – Yakubu Makes the Difference
Mighty Jets continued where they left off after the restart, with an early substitution injecting fresh energy into the side.
The introduction of Dauda Yakubu proved to be a turning point. Shortly after coming on, he tested the goalkeeper with a well-struck effort before eventually breaking the deadlock in the 63rd minute, rising highest to power home a superb header and give Mighty Jets a deserved lead.
Dauda Yakubu almost doubled both his tally and his side’s advantage five minutes later, only to be denied by an excellent save that tipped his powerful effort onto the crossbar.
Growing in confidence, Mighty Jets dictated possession and moved the ball around with composure, forcing La-Planet FC onto the defensive.
The Plateau side continued to create chances, with another effort cleared off the line before further opportunities went begging late in the contest.
La-Planet FC nearly punished those missed chances in the closing stages, winning a late corner after a dangerous attack, but Mighty Jets stood firm to preserve their advantage.
The victory keeps Mighty Jets Feeders firmly in contention for promotion ahead of their decisive final group match against Flight FC
Up Next
Mighty Jets Feeders will face Flight FC in their final group match, knowing victory could be enough to secure promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL), depending on the outcome of the other fixture.