Plateau United made history on Saturday as they emerged new champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League, their first Nigerian title.
Plateau United defeated last season’s champions, Enugu Rangers 2-0 at a packed Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos to finished top of the 20-team table with 66 points from 38 matches.
Apart from the giant trophy they lifted on Saturday, Plateau United also pocketed N50m having finished as champions.
This means they will represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Champions League along with runners-up MFM FC, who lost 2-1 at El Kanemi Warriors to finish four points adrift.
It is the second league championship the northeastern city of Jos, famous for its tin mines, after Mighty Jets won the title in 1972.
Towering young striker Chukwuemeka Umeh showed cool composure inside the six-yard box when he slotted beyond goalkeeper Itodo Akor for the opening goal on 26 minutes.
But the home team then had to wait until a minute from full-time before substitute Benjamin Turba doubled the lead, when he fired home a loose ball.
Two-time African champions Enyimba will represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup after they finished third, one point ahead of Akwa United.
Enyimba beat Katsina United 1-0, while Akwa United saw off Kano Pillars 3-0.