• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

Director General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, has praised the recent resurgence of Plateau United and Bendel Insurance in the Nigeria Premier Football League, urging Plateau United players to maintain their improved form and push for the league title, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Shaibu delivered the message during an interactive session with the Plateau United squad at their training ground in Jos, Plateau State, where he commended the team for recovering from a difficult start to the current NPFL campaign. The former deputy governor of Edo State explained that he has long maintained a personal interest in several NPFL clubs because of his past connections with them, noting that Plateau United, Bendel Insurance and Enugu Rangers are among the teams he follows closely. "There are three clubs I always watch in the NPFL, Bendel Insurance, Plateau United and Enugu Rangers, because I have a sentimental attachment to them," Shaibu said. He admitted that the early performances of Plateau United and Bendel Insurance had initially been a source of concern, as both clubs struggled in the opening phase of the season before staging a turnaround in recent weeks. "When the league started, I wasn't happy with Bendel Insurance and Plateau United because of their poor performance. Both teams were struggling on the table. But now, I am happy, especially with the way they have turned things around. They still have the opportunity to win the title, and that is why I am encouraged," he stated. Plateau United, champions of the 2017 NPFL season, had slipped into the lower half of the table after a poor run of results earlier in the campaign, while Bendel Insurance, one of Nigeria's most historic clubs, also found themselves battling inconsistent form before recent improvements stabilised their positions. Shaibu also revealed that during a meeting with Plateau State governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the state leader spoke positively about the club's renewed momentum, an indication that the team's progress is being closely monitored by the government. "When I met your governor yesterday, he talked about your improvement. It shows he is truly watching you and your progress. Please keep up the performance," he urged the players. The NIS chief further stressed the importance of discipline and teamwork in modern football, telling the players that tactical success largely depends on their commitment to their coach's instructions. "As a footballer, you must be very disciplined. If you are not disciplined, you cannot play according to the tactical pattern of your coach. Discipline gives you direction and defines your pattern of play," he said. "Football is teamwork. A striker cannot score without support from teammates. Even goalkeepers score goals these days. Everybody can be a scorer, midfielder, striker, defender, depending on the pattern of play," he added. Shaibu concluded by congratulating Plateau United on their recent results and encouraging them to maintain their momentum as the race for the NPFL title intensifies. "I congratulate you and wish that you remain at the top of the league table for greater success. Go for the title," he charged. Source: https://punchng.com/shuaibu-hails-plateau-insurance-turnaround/