By Jeremiah Ola in Jos
Warri Wolves denied Plateau United a home victory after the Peace Boys came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw in their EUROMATCH Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 11 encounter at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday.
Emmanuel Aribogha gave the visitors the lead in the first half, but substitute Samuel Ayanrinde struck after the break to rescue a point for Plateau United in a contest that saw both sides create opportunities to win.
Plateau United began with purpose, putting Warri Wolves under pressure from the opening minutes. Majalisa Andrew’s long throw-in caused problems in the visitors’ penalty area in the third minute, while Jonathan Okechukwu tested goalkeeper Bamidele Adeniyi with a low effort from distance seven minutes later.
Jibril Ibrahim came close to opening the scoring in the 17th minute after Warri Wolves lost possession, but his attempt drifted narrowly wide. Victor Dawa also forced Adeniyi into a save after cutting inside, as the hosts looked to make their early pressure count.
However, it was Warri Wolves who found the breakthrough in the 24th minute. A cross into the box fell to Aribogha, who produced an excellent finish to put the visitors 1-0 ahead.
Plateau United pushed for an equaliser before the interval. Dawa fired wide in the 28th minute and later missed another opportunity after Warri Wolves failed to clear a long throw-in. Adeniyi then denied Jibril Ibrahim in the 40th minute to preserve his side’s advantage.
The visitors went into half-time with their lead intact, leaving Plateau United with work to do after the restart.
The Peace Boys resumed their search for a way back into the game, but Warri Wolves remained dangerous. Yahaya Ibrahim tested Adeniyi with a powerful long-range effort in the 51st minute, before Dawa came close to equalizing for the home side when his shot from inside the box sailed over in the 58th minute.
Plateau United made the most of that escape. Ayanrinde, introduced for the injured Nenrot Silas in the 57th minute, needed just three minutes to make his mark, finding the net in the 60th minute to bring the hosts level.
The substitute nearly had another moment later, but Adeniyi produced a save to deny him and keep the score level.
As the game entered its final stages, both teams made changes in search of a winner. Warri Wolves brought on Godstime Edewor and Ubah Cyracus, while Plateau United introduced Abegunrin Lookman and Isaiah Sunday.
Adeniyi remained a key figure for the visitors, saving Jibril Ibrahim’s direct free-kick in the 74th minute. Despite further attacking changes and an end-to-end finish, neither side could find the winning goal.
The referee brought the contest to an end after three minutes of added time, with both teams taking a point from the encounter. Plateau United’s Alex Aghahowa was shown a red card after the final whistle for misconduct.
Up next for both teams: Plateau United will travel to face Nasarawa United on Matchday 12, while Warri Wolves return to their home ground to host Katsina United.