Mighty Jets Feeders began their quest for promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) with a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Bida Lions in their opening match of the North Central Nationwide League One (NLO) Promotion Playoffs at the Lafia Township Stadium on.
The Plateau based team enjoyed more of the ball for large spells of the contest but struggled to break down a disciplined Bida Lions side, who were clinical with their chances and dangerous on the counterattack.
The opening minutes were evenly contested, with Mighty Jets winning an early corner that came to nothing. Bida Lions gradually settled into the game and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute after converting from a goalmouth scramble following a corner.
Mighty Jets looked to respond immediately. Junior Chuwang fired off target in the 15th minute before the Plateau side survived another scare three minutes later, as the goalkeeper made an important save before a defender cleared the rebound off the line.
Mighty Jets Feeders continued to see plenty of the ball but lacked the decisive final pass in the attacking third. Paradang Godit came close in the 20th minute after finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but he was unable to get a shot away before the danger was cleared.
Bida Lions remained a threat whenever they broke forward and nearly doubled their advantage midway through the first half, only for another brilliant goal-line clearance to keep Mighty Jets in the contest.
As the pressure increased, Mighty Jets began to knock on the door. Isaac Wang delivered a dangerous cross across the face of goal in the 35th minute, while Dapar Maksen forced the Bida Lions goalkeeper into his first save of the match five minutes later.
Coach Abdul Maikaba made an early first-half change, introducing Mohammed Umar for Tengsthien Danjuma in the 41st minute as he searched for a way back into the game.
However, Bida Lions struck another blow just before the break. Kums Zachariah of Mighty Jets Feeders effort was well saved, but the resulting corner proved costly as Bida Lions launched a swift counterattack and finished clinically to make it 2-0.
Mighty Jets made three substitutions at the start of the second half and continued to dominate possession in search of a breakthrough. Silas Gungpolat tested the goalkeeper from a dangerous free-kick, but Bida Lions continued to defend resolutely while posing a constant threat on the counter.
Another dangerous attack from Bida Lions in the 68th minute was only denied by an outstanding goal-line clearance before Mighty Jets made their final substitution, with Joel Yilkang replacing Junior Chuwang.
Bida Lions eventually extended their lead in the 79th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Yilkang reduced the deficit five minutes later with a superb direct free-kick, giving Mighty Jets renewed belief.
Jets pushed forward in the closing stages and created two clear chances in quick succession, but an impressive save from the Bida Lions goalkeeper denied them a second goal.
It ended 3-1 in favour of Bida Lions, leaving Mighty Jets Feeders with work to do in their remaining group matches.
Mighty Jets Feeders will now turn their attention to Saturday’s crucial clash against La-Planet FC as they look to revive their promotion hopes in Lafia.