Plateau United opened their 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Rivers United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
The Peace Boys were punished by two first-half goals as Rivers United took control of the contest, with goalkeeper Okiemute Odah making several important saves to prevent the deficit from growing.
Plateau United improved after the break and showed greater attacking intent, but they struggled to turn their promising moments into clear goalscoring opportunities as Rivers United held on for all three points.
Rivers United Make Fast Start
Rivers United started with greater urgency and tested the Plateau United defence early, with Odah making a save inside the opening two minutes.
The hosts found the breakthrough in the fifth minute to take an early lead and put Plateau United on the back foot.
Rain made conditions difficult at the stadium, with the slippery pitch affecting the movement and control of players.
Plateau United gradually settled into the contest and began putting together attacking moves through Ojo Ekundayo, Isaiah Sunday, Ikouwem Utin and Anas Yusuf.
Odah remained important for the visitors, making another save in the 15th minute before Jimmy Ambrose cleared the rebound.
The Peace Boys struggled to create a clear opening before the break, while Anas Yusuf sent an effort over the bar.
Head Coach Gbenga Ogunbote made his first change in the 35th minute, bringing on Seiyefa Jackson for Anas Yusuf.
However, Rivers United doubled their advantage two minutes later, leaving Plateau United with a difficult task heading into half-time.
Plateau United Improve After Break
The Peace Boys returned for the second half with greater urgency and began spending more time in the Rivers United half.
Abdallah replaced Nenrot Silas in the 47th minute as Ogunbote looked to change the direction of the game.
Plateau United continued to deal with Rivers United’s counter-attacks, with Utin making important defensive interventions to prevent the hosts from adding a third.
The visitors also earned several set-piece opportunities but lacked the final delivery and finishing needed to turn their pressure into a goal.
Odah was called into action again in the 69th minute, punching away a threatening ball as Rivers United searched for another goal.
Ogunbote later made a triple change, introducing Godspower Akekoromowei, Gideon Monday and Vangsou Tchadienne for Victor Dawa, Isaiah Sunday and Paul Samson.
Vangsou was booked in the 71st minute, while Utin received a yellow card six minutes later.
Late Pressure Not Enough
Plateau United continued to push forward in the closing stages, with Seiyefa and Gideon Monday involved in some of their promising attacking movements.
Abdallah later created another opportunity by cutting the ball back towards Vangsou inside the box, but the Rivers United defence intercepted before he could get a shot away.
The Peace Boys could not find a breakthrough before the final whistle as Rivers United secured a 2-0 victory.
The result gives Plateau United a difficult start to the new campaign, although their improved second-half display provides some positives to build on.
The Peace Boys will now return to Jos for their first home league fixture of the season against Kwara United as they look to secure their first points of the campaign.