Plateau Utd 44-man Contingent To Hit Libraville On Thursday For A.S Mandji of Gabon

Plateau Utd 44-man Contingent To Hit Libraville On Thursday For A.S Mandji of Gabon

Ibraheem Lateef Ayodele

A Plateau United 44-man contingent, which includes players; coaches and other backroom staff have departed Jos for Abuja, to travel en route from Lagos to Libreville for Saturday's CAF Champions League 1st leg preliminary round fixture against A.S Mandji of Gabon, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

Victor Lapang, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development led the contingent to the nation's capital.

Speaking shortly before their departure, Lapang reminded the team that they are not only representing Plateau State, but the country at large and urged them to brace up and put smiles on the faces of soccer-loving Nigerians.

He restated the commitment of the Plateau State Government under the leadership of Governor Simon Lalong to continue to sponsor the team and warned against any act that will jeopardize their concentration ahead of the match, which is also capable of bringing the name of Nigeria to disrepute.

Plateau United who finished second in the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League season, has since recruited 11 new players from other top NPFL clubs and abroad to fortify its, squad. 

Top among the players that have joined the Peace Boys are Ibrahim Mustapha who is staging a return to the team after a short stint with Al Hilal of Sudan and representing them in last season's CAF Champions League as well as CHAN Super Eagles defender, Nweaze Christopher, from Akwa United, Mustapha Abdullahi from Wikki Tourists and former Abia Warriors goalkeeper, Pius Ibrahim. 

Technical Adviser of the team, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu expressed satisfaction with the team's level of commitment and determination and urged the players to give in their best, as they are not only representing Plateau State but Nigeria at large.

Also on the trip to Gabon, is the club's General Manager, Pius Henwan, Plateau State Acting Director of Sports, Simon Moven and the Chairman of Plateau State Football Association, Sunday Longbab.

The team is expected to fly aboard an ASKY airline to Gabon on Thursday from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos by 4:40 pm. 

The team which participated in the recently concluded ValueJet Pre-season Tournament in Ikenne, home ground of Remo Stars in Ogun State alongside other continental teams, played four matches won one, drew one and lost two after forcing the CHAN Eagles to a one-all draw in a friendly tie at the training pitch of MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.