Plateau Utd Unveil Ogunbote New Technical Adviser 

Yemi Kosoko in Jos

Plateau State has taken a decisive step toward revamping its sports sector as Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang received the newly appointed Technical Adviser of Plateau United Football Club, Coach Olubenga Ogunbote, marking the beginning of a new technical direction for the former NPFL champions.

The unveiling, held at the Old Government House, Jos, is part of the administration’s broader strategy to reposition youth and sports development for human capacity growth and economic sustainability.

Governor Mutfwang said the mid-season restructuring of Plateau United was approved after extensive consultations with supporters and stakeholders, noting that football is a performance-driven industry where timely decisions determine success.

“Our objective is not just to stabilise the team but to ensure it excels and reclaims its place among the top clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League,” he said.

Describing Ogunbote as a seasoned professional with deep familiarity with Jos and Plateau State, having tinkered defunct Giwa FC, the Governor expressed confidence that the new technical leadership would usher in a fresh era of discipline, teamwork, and competitive excellence.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism in sports administration, assuring the technical crew of full government backing.

“With the support of government, veterans, and our passionate supporters, I am optimistic that Plateau United will rise again,” he added.

Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Architect Samuel Jatau, presented the technical team to the Governor, emphasizing that the recruitment process was transparent and in line with global best practices

Acting Chairman of Plateau United, Alhaji Alhassan Yakmut, praised Governor Mutfwang’s leadership style, describing it as responsible and transparent. He said the club’s decision to appoint a new Technical Adviser followed internationally recognised football procedures for restructuring underperforming teams

Yakmut disclosed that all due processes were supervised by the SSG and witnessed by respected figures in Nigerian football, including veteran player and administrator Nde Bitrus Bewarang.

“The presence of such legends underscores the credibility of this new technical direction,” he said

He also presented the club’s jersey to the Governor, symbolising what he described as the beginning of Plateau United’s journey back to the NPFL top five

Yakmut noted that the restructuring enjoys the support of key government and sports stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Director of Sports, Professor Ezra Gunen, the Sporting Director of Plateau United, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Gideon Atu.

He added that the Plateau United Supporters Club and other fan groups are fully aligned with the new direction, stressing that unity and shared ownership are essential for the club’s success.

In his remarks, Coach Ogunbote pledged to restore confidence and competitiveness within the squad.

“We’re going to integrate a few quality players, but it won’t be a wholesale change because a team needs synergy,” he said.

“The most important thing is to help the players rediscover themselves and give them hope.

The experienced tactician, widely respected in the NPFL, said he is committed to building a team capable of challenging for honours and making Plateau supporters proud.