Plateau United F.C.
Nigerian football club
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Plateau United Football Club of Jos (usually known as Plateau United) is a Nigerian professional football (soccer) club based in Jos, that competes in the Nigerian Professional Football League. Before 1991, they were known as the JIB Strikers FC.[1] The name "Plateau United" was the former name of their cross-town rivals Mighty Jets.[2]
Jos, Nigeria
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| Full name | Plateau United Football Club of Jos | ||
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| Nickname | The peace boys. | ||
| Founded | 1975 | ||
| Ground | New Jos Stadium Jos, Nigeria | ||
| Capacity | 60,000 | ||
| Owner | Plateau State | ||
| Chairman | Dr. Alhassan Yakmut | ||
| Manager | Gbenga Ogunbote | ||
| League | Nigeria Professional Football League | ||
| 2025–26 | 10th of 20 | ||
| Website | https://www.plateauunitedfc.com/list/player-list/ | ||
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History
Plateau United were founded in 1975 as JIB Strikers FC.[3]
Plateau United won their first major silverware in 1999, a 1–0 Nigeria Cup final victory over Iwuanyanwu Nationale on a goal by Donatus Iloka.[4] They had lost in the final in 1993 and 1998. They made their continental debut in 2000, but were eliminated after their first tie.[3]
They were promoted to the Nigeria Premier League for the 2010–11 season by winning on the last day against Mighty Jets, but were relegated the next year on the last day. They were promoted to the top league on the last day of the 2015 season.[5]
In 2013, their feeder team were one of four clubs suspended, pending an investigation into their 79–0 victory over Akurba FC.[6] The four clubs were accused of match-fixing to advance into the professional league.[7] On 22 July 2013, Plateau Feeders, Akurba FC, Police Machine FC and Bubayaro FC were each banned for 10 years, with the players and officials in each game banned for life.[8]
Plateau United won the Nigerian Professional Football League for the first time in 2017, led by coach Kennedy Boboye. [9][10]
Plateau United drew an average home attendance of 1,982 in the 2023–24 Nigeria Premier Football League.
Ownership and Management
Since its inception, the State Government owns the club, ensuring stability and community connection. Home Matches are played at the impressive New Jos Stadium with a capacity of up to 60,000 supporters.
Youth Development and Women Team
The club emphasizes youth and women’s football development, with collaborations including scouting events in Abuja backed by the Exports Promotion Council, ensuring a pipeline of future talent. Graduates like John Obi Mikel, Celestine Babayaro, and Emmanuel Babayaro have represented Nigeria Internationally.
Cultural Impact
Plateau United stands as a symbol of Northern Nigerian football, breaking the dominance of Southern clubs through homegrown talent.
Honors
Domestic
- 1999
- Runners-up: 1993, 1998
- Plateau state FA cup: 6
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Preseason/Friendly
- Unity Preseason Tournament: 1
- 2021
- Plateau state FA cup: 6
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Kits and Sponsors
| Period | Kit manufacturer | Shirt sponsor (chest) | Shirt sponsor (sleeve) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2019 | Cone | None | None |
| 2019—2026 | Kapspore | Bitnob | None |
| 2026—till date | Galaxy | Experience Plateau |
Performance in CAF competitions
- CAF Cup Winners' Cup: 1 appearance
- 2000 – First Round
- CAF Champions League: 2018,
2020/21, 2022/23
- CAF Confederation Cup: 2018,
2022/23
Current team
As of 7 September 2026
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Notable players
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Management and Technical Crew
The management of the club is currently headed by Dr Alhassan Yakmut who acts in the capacity of Chairman while Gbenga Ogunbote serves as Technical Director[11]