Wikki Tourists and Plateau United played out a 0-0 draw in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Monday.
In a game of few clear cut opportunities at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, defences largely dominated as the two sides eventually settled for a share of the spoils.
Head coach of Plateau United, Abdul Maikaba was pleased with the result even though he acknowledged his side could have performed a smash and grab in the end
“I am happy about the result because getting a point in Bauchi is very big,” Maikaba told reporters after the game. “It is good that we get one point and I believe it will help raise the team’s spirits.
“Wikki is not a bad team. We tried to score against them on the break which is why we sat back for most parts of the game and waited for our moments to capitalize,”.
Maikaba then discussed his side’s opening day 2-0 defeat to Kwara United which he blamed on the absence of no less than eight first team players.
“About eighty percent of the players who faced Wikki (on Monday) did not play in our last game against Kwara United,” he added. “It is difficult losing eight of your regular players.
“Gradually, the players are returning and in the next two weeks, I’m sure they will be fit to play against any team.
“We will give our very best to see that we grab the three points in our next game against Heartland.”
On his part, head coach of Wikki Tourists, Usman Abdallah
“It is the beginning of the season and we hoped to bag the three points but unfortunately, football can be this way at times,” Abdallah told assembled media after the game.
“The two teams played very well because of the pressure that both teams are facing. Plateau is struggling the same way we are also struggling.
“Fortunately for us, we haven’t lost today at home and we managed to get this one point. The result could have gone either way because they did well and created a few chances.
“I think the result was a fair reflection of the game. We wanted to get all three points but we couldn’t.
“We will try to look for the points in our next match.”
Wikki Tourists and Plateau United United have each amassed a solitary point respectively from a possible six after their opening two games of the season.
