Plateau United head coach Kennedy Boboye has attributed his side's late 2-1 defeat against Abia Warriors to defenders' loss of concentration on Sunday.
Hamzat Owolabi had canceled out Shadrack Asiegbu's opener put the Peace Boys on the brink of securing at least a 1-1 draw but ended up crumbling conceding a late penalty.
Boboye, who made his first Umuahia's return since he left the Ucendu Babes last season, said his side came with a winning intent but praised the hosts for getting a win in the end.
"That's football. Something the result comes and other time do not like it happened in Umuahia. We just have to keep fighting," Boboye told Goal.
"It was like coming there to win. I actually told my players that there were three places that I will want them to go and win for me to stamp my authority on the game.
Next matches
"They have been doing it for me. And we had the discussion about the match. They did it in Rivers, in Akure and Umuahia was the last place.
"But towards the last two minutes of the match, my defenders' lost concentration fouling somebody in the goal area to concede a penalty.
"With all due respect, it wasn't what I expected actually because it got to a level they were not giving up to what I wanted to see. And my players took over the game from them.
"But, credit to them they won and I hope they continue well to help them finish in a good position in the league."
Despite the defeat Plateau United are unmoved atop of the log with 45 points – five-point advantage ahead of closest title challengers, El Kanemi Warriors.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=640&quality=60)