Plateau United head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote says the poor quality of Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium’s pitch contributed to his side’s defeat to Rivers United.
Ogunbote also claimed his team paid for their lack of attention in the game.
The Jos club fell 1-0 to Rivers United in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
While Rivers United reclaimed top spot on the table following the hard-earned win, the visitors remain in the middle half, still battling to avoid relegation.
“I think the pitch was used by the two sides, they have been used to it.But having said that , i think the game was more physical than technical,” Ogunbote said in a short video posted on Plateau United’s X account.
“Unfortunately, we lost the game to some carelessness. That was the only real chance of the game. The boys didn’t do badly. It wasn’t just our day.
“I know my players, and know when they will perform best. You have some players that can be very soft in this kind of game when the pitch is not good. So many things worked against us.”
Ogunbote also challenged the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, board to ensure only stadiums with quality pitches host games in the top-flight.
“The game was not easy. The pitch was not good enough, because it rained. This is one of the things that we need to work on because it does not project the league positively,” added Ogunbote.
“The rain disorganised our pattern of play. If you watched the second half, it was better. We were able to put the ball on the floor, and play.
“First half because of the rain, it disorganised us, which was an advantage to the team. Other wise, it would have been a more interesting game if the field was not wet.”
Plateau United will be up against Kun Khalifat FC in their next game.
“I think that is another challenge. At this point in time, we have four games to go. Two at home, two away. Every game is important.
“We want to go back to winning ways at home so that we can be comfortable a bit on the log We will do our very best to ensure that we pick our points,” he added.