Former FA Cup champion in 1999, Plateau United, has become the fourth and final side to gain promotion to the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) ahead of the new season, which is billed to begin on September 25.
The Jos-based club joins Crown Football Club of Ogbomosho, Bukola Babes of Ilorin and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Football Club as the four teams that will play in the Premier League next season.
Plateau United edged Jos rival, Mighty Jets, by one-nil in the last game of the season in the National Division I League to make a comeback to the top-flight division of the Nigerian league after more than three seasons in the lower ranks.
In a keen contest on Wednesday, Plateau United came out top over Mighty Jets to swell the number of Jos-based clubs in the Premier League to two after JUTH FC had earlier booked its place.
The promotion of Plateau United was greeted with jubilation inside and outside of the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos, which is home to JUTH FC, Plateau United and Mighty Jets.
Coincidentally, Plateau United and Mighty Jets were relegated at the same time in the 2004 season when they finished in 17th and 18th positions respectively.
The other Jos club, JUTH FC, was relegated in the 2008/2009 season on the last day despite defeating Akwa United by one-nil at the Rwang Pam Stadium.
Congratulations Plateau United and JUTH FC; I pray that Mighty Jet FC will join you in the elite division soon.
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