Monday Gideon’s first half goal was sufficient for Plateau United to ease past El-Kanemi Warriors in one of Saturday’s two fixtures in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Gideon netted what turned out to be the only goal in the 32nd minute in a tight contest at the New Jos Stadium on Zaria Road.
El-Kanemi goalkeeper Iddrissu Ibrahim was the first to be called into action as he made two good saves to the scoreline goalless.
Before halftime, Gideon popped up at the far post unmarked to head home Kazeem Adeyanju’s corner kick past Iddrissu.
The second 45 minutes did not produce a spectacular save for Al’Amin Umar’s attempt from more than 40 yards out which was brilliantly tipped over by Plateau United’s retreating goalkeeper Favour Bala after the El-Kanemi man had spotted him off his line.
The other game at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City between Bendel Insurance and Bayelsa United finished 1-1.
After a back-and-forth spell for most part of the first half, Insurance got their noses in front through Kayode Oke who scored from the spot on the stroke of halftime.
It looked like Greg Ikhenoba’s men were on their way for a second win of the season until Henry Onyia was sent off for an off-the-ball incident in added time of first half.
Bayelsa United came out of the blocks quicker in the second half and midfielder Jawad Mustapha wrapped his right leg perfectly round the ball to strike home a worldie from outside the box to draw the game level at 1-1.
The share of points meant Bayelsa United take their point tally to seven, one more than Bendel Insurance.