PLATEAU UTD LOSE AT HOME, BUT PLATEAU WINS HEARTS: PRINCE MIAPHEN’S CULTURAL/SPORTS INNOVATION CHAMPIONS HOSPITALITY & UNITY

By Jimmy PJ²

Plateau United’s impressive home run suffered a temporary setback in Matchday 9 of the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season as Sporting Lagos FC secured all three points at the Jos Zaria Road Stadium; A testament of the Nigeria Premier Football League rapid growth and development.

However, beyond the result, the encounter showcased the remarkable hospitality, sportsmanship, and cultural pride of Plateau people.

In a heartwarming display of fair play, supporters applauded both Plateau United and Sporting Lagos players as they made their way through the tunnel to the dressing rooms after the pulsating encounter that recorded five goals all through. Despite the home defeat, (2-3). Plateau fans demonstrated that football is not just about winning and losing, but also about mutual respect, unity, and appreciation of good football.

The atmosphere at the Jos Zaria Road Stadium was enriched by the Vwana Dancers from Gyel District, Jos South LGA, who thrilled spectators with captivating performances celebrating the beauty of Berom culture before the match and during the  halftime interval.

This cultural display reflects the innovative vision of Hon. Prince Miaphen, Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, whose initiative to integrate Plateau’s diverse cultural traditions into sporting activities continues to add colour and meaning to NPFL matches in Jos. Through this initiative, football is becoming a powerful platform for cultural preservation, tourism promotion, youth engagement, and peaceful coexistence.

Today's match day 9 encounter attracted prominent dignitaries, including the Chairmen of Jos South and Jos North LGAs, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung and John Kyoroh Chris, respectively, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Usman, Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Lawandi Datti, Jos East LGA Deputy Chairman, Hon. Yusuf M. Atsen, Jos South member in the Plateau State house of assembly, Hon. Isaac Dalyop Gyang, Plateau Football Association Chairman, Hon. Prince Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, HRH Chief Dr. Alhassan Yakmut, Plateau United Chairman, technical director of the team, Gideon Izang, and other government officials and football stakeholders from Plateau and neighbouring Bauchi State.

Special commendation goes to the stadium security team, coordinated by Mr. Itumu David, and the Plateau United Supporters Club, led by Mr. Jang Dre and his executive, for their exemplary good conduct before, during, and after the match. Their professionalism and restraint further reinforced Plateau State’s reputation as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
As the Jos Zaria Road Stadium continues to attract football enthusiasts from Bauchi, Gombe, Saminaka, Zaria, and beyond, coming to watch Plateau United’s home matches, completing the facility would further strengthen the state’s sporting infrastructure. With the remodelling of the famous Rwang Pam Township Stadium nearing completion, the completion of the Jos Zaria Road Stadium would complement Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s deliberate intention to sports development, youth empowerment, and tourism.

Meanwhile, the 2026 Plateau State Governor’s Cup has reached its final stage, with Shendam LGA FC set to face Pankshin LGA FC on a date and at a venue to be announced by the Plateau Football Association and the State Ministry of Sports. The competition offers another opportunity to discover grassroots talents for possible development pathways into Plateau United, Mighty FC, other domestic teams and international teams.

Previous weeks in Jos, from the Anaguta and Goemai cultural displays to the Mwaghavul Kwarak dancers and now the Berom Vwana dancers of Gyel, a refreshing sporting tradition is taking shape on the Plateau.

Plateau United may have lost the match today, but Plateau people won hearts through hospitality, cultural pride, and a practical demonstration of  sportsmanship. This is the enduring message of Prince Miaphen’s innovation: football can unite communities, preserve heritage, and project Plateau’s rich identity to the world.

Plateau State: The Home of Peace and Tourism. Our Culture, Our Pride, Our Identity.

Plateau united fans, take your flowers 💐


Jimmy Pam Jerry
NPFL referee
October 17th, 2026

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