Nenrot Silas is the name on every fan's lips in Jos after his recent performances for Plateau United in the NPFL.
His hattrick against Gombe United on Wednesday cemented his legend in their eyes, but it probably wouldn't have happened without some key decisions by coach Mbwas Mangut.
When Mangut took over Plateau United at the start of the season, it was a chance for him to help his hometown club achieve league glory.
Since returning to Nigeria from Colombia, Mangut had never had the opportunity to coach his boyhood club. He spent time coaching at Heartland in Owerri and then Rangers International in Enugu.
When Fidelis Ilechukwu left Rangers for the head coach position at Enugu Rangers, Mangut went the opposite direction to Plateau United in a season filled with managerial changes.
Plateau didn't start the season on fire, but it was clear Mangut was building something.
He brought in fresh talent like defenders Harrison Ebah, Wale Doyeni, goalkeeper John Amah, Barnabas Daniel, and the impressive midfielder Sam Pam, who joined him on the trip to Jos from Rangers, among others.
Perhaps it was what he did with the existing squad that has pushed his team to the top three on the log.
Albert Hilary, who was inconsistent last season, was chosen by Mangut to be the star man in attack.
This proved to be very crucial.
There was also the case of Nenrot Silas, who had to sit out the first 10 weeks of the season due to ineligibility reasons.
Silas was supposed to move to Egypt, but when the transfer fell through, it was too late to register him for the league.
Mangut didn't give up.
Nenrot Silas rejoins the fold
He spoke with the former Flying Eagles winger, and they agreed that Silas would be registered when the next transfer window opened.
Silas preserved and eventually made his debut away at Remo Stars in November 3 in a 1-0 loss, and that patience is a big reason why Plateau United are where they are now.
Hilary and Silas have set the league alight, combining for 27 goal involvements (Hilary with 11 goals and four assists, Silas with six goals and six assists).
For context, Plateau United has scored the highest number of goals so far in the league – 38.
Hilary and Silas account for 71% of that.
Bang bang bang Nenrot Silas
On Wednesday, Nenrot Silas scored his first career hat-trick in the NPFL against Gombe United in their Week 25 game at the New Jos Stadium.
He became the second Plateau United player to achieve this feat this season, following Albert Hilary who scored his in Plateau's 5-1 thrashing of Bayelsa United in Jos back in Week 14.
‘I want to help Plateau United to the top'
After the game, Silas spoke to afrik-foot.com, expressing his joy at scoring his first career professional hattrick.
“I feel very great scoring my first hat-trick in the Nigeria Premier Football League,” he said.
“I thank God and I am also excited and confident at the moment. It is a special feeling, and I feel very good.”
Silas emphasised his team-first mentality and his approach to every game.
“First and foremost, I always have the mindset of winning no matter the outcome of the game,” he said.
“I always approach every game with the aim of winning for my team first.
“We come together to see how we can fight and win. If anything comes after that, all to the glory of God.”
“I always try to give my best and hope for the best while keeping my head up for the next game.
“That is how I approach every game, and the Gombe game was no different.
“I was opportune to be at the right place and at the right time. I did not come with the mindset of scoring three goals.
“The chances fell to me and I was able to take them and score to help my team win so it is a great feeling and I give glory to God.”
The 22-year-old also spoke about how his goals and performance against Gombe United have boosted his confidence. He hopes to do more in upcoming games to help his team.
“The goals (hattrick) will definitely make me more confident and stronger in the next set of games,” he continued.
“Scoring a goal for an attacker has an edge as it gives him confidence and puts him in a very good position to want more for himself.”
Can Nenrot Silas help Plateau United win the title?
Definitely, my confidence is on a high moving into the next set of games we have as I will hope to score more goals and help Plateau United get to where we want to be,” the former Flying Eagles star added.
Plateau United are currently in second place on the NPFL log with 44 points after 25 games, just two points behind league leaders Lobi Stars.
The ‘Peace Boys’ as Plateau United are nicknamed will face Katsina United in their game at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Karkanda on Sunday.
