The Nation Newspaper

Tag: LOBI STARS

  • Gold Cup: Lobi ready for Sunshine Stars test, says Ogbeide

    Lobi Stars Technical Adviser,Solomon Ogbeide has predicted a tough clash against Sunshine Stars in the Matchday 3 of the Gold Cup Tourney on Saturday, NationSport reports.
    The Makurdi-based side began their campaign at the 6th edition of the Gold Cup Tourney by defeating FC Ebedei 1-0 on Thursday but lost 1-0 to Cynosure FC in their second game on Friday.
    Saviour Francis of Cynosure FC scored the only goal that turned out to be the match winner in the 55th minute.
    In a chat with NationSport after the game, Ogbeide blamed Friday’s defeat on loss of concentration by his players.
    The experienced coach said his side will be ready for the ‘battle of Stars’ which is among the high profile games billed for Saturday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure.
    “There’s nothing to complain about or me handing any player the blame for the loss.
    “I liked what I saw and liked the team we played against as they gave us a good contest.
    “I started a different team entirely against Cynosure as I wanted to give all my players needed playing time.
    “Our style of play was good but a loss of concentration in the box by my defenders in that split seconds cost us.
    “The tie against Sunshine Stars is the usual league game, one that will be tough, as I will be playing against a team I know well and fans that once adored me in
    Akure.
    “Not taking anything away from Sunshine Stars, my players will be hungry to return to winning was,” Ogbeide told NationSport.

  • Gold Cup: Kwara Utd, Remo Stars win, Lobi Stars lose

    Nigeria’s representative in the CAF Champions League, Lobi Stars of Makurdi recorded its first defeat at the ongoing Gold Cup Tourney by losing  1-0 to ‘Giant-killers’ Cynosure FC at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure on Friday.
    Lobi Stars who had defeated FC Ebedei 1-0 in its opening game on Thursday, bowed to Cynosure, no thanks to a 20 yard superb strike by Saviour Francis in the 55th minute.
    A brace by Segun Alebiosu and a goal by Ebenezer Odeyemi ensured that Kwara United began their campaign on a winning note by beating Almar FC 2-1 in the other encounter earlier in the game.

    Alebiosu opened his goal account in the 12th minute of the encounter. The potent striker had connected well with Owoansaya’s assist, rounded the goalkeeper and buried the ball in back of the net.

    Odeyemi then doubled the lead eight minutes later after being set up by Alebiosu. Valentine Nwabili pulled one back for Almar FC in the 43rd minute before Alebiosu made it three with a powerful strike after receiving a lovely pass from

    Samsudeen Hashimu.

    Remo Stars defeated Phoenix ACF with two first half goals scored by Kingsley Akemini and Adebogun Omotayo.
    It took The Sky Blues Stars 16 minutes to record the first goal of the game after Akemini received a brilliant pass from Bolaji Michael to put the ball past Phoenix ACF goalkeeper.
    MFM FC were however held to a goalless draw by FC Ebedei in the last game of the day.
  • Plateau United FC ready for 2017/2018 NPFL season

    Plateau United FC ready for 2017/2018 NPFL season

    Defending champions, Plateau United Football Club of Jos on Wednesday said they were fully prepared for the new 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL ) season which begins on Sunday.

    Albert Dakup, the club’s Media Officer, said in Jos that the management has put in place all necessities for a successful outing.

    He recalled that the club had shortly after the end of last season released 12 players whose service were no longer needed.

    “In their stead, the club has recruited 12 new players to strengthen the team for the new NPFL season, as well as its continental engagements.

    Read also: Ikoyi Club fetes ‘Elders’ for 2018

    “Experience was a key factor which was considered in the recruitment of new players, taking into cognisance the continental matches.

    “Based on that, some experienced players like Terna Suswam from Enyimba, Amos Gyang from Kano Pillars, Charles Henlong from Rangers of Enugu, Raphael Ayagwa of Lobi Stars, amongst others, were recruited,” Dakup said.

    The spokesman said also that Plateau United played two pre-season tournaments and some friendly matches as part of its preparations for the new season.

    “We played the NPFL invitational tournament and the Ahlan pre-season tournament.

    “The club began closed camping in Abuja on January 2 and played a friendly match with a Nationwide League One side, Water FC of Abuja.

    “Our first match of the season is away to Nasarawa United of Lafia on Sunday and we are confident that with our level of preparations, we will get a positive result,” he said.

    NAN

  • Pillars claim second Gold Cup trophy in three years

    Pillars claim second Gold Cup trophy in three years

    Kano Pillars beat Lobi Stars 1-0 in the final of the 5th edition of the Gold Cup Preseason Tournament to claim their second Gold Cup trophy in three years courtesy of a 33rd minute strike from Rabiu Ali.
    The interesting game produced some breathtaking moment for both teams avid fans in Ilorin. Kano Pillars created the first chance of the game after four minutes of play when Nyima Nwagua failed to connect Ifeanyi Nweke’s well delivered cross.
    Nwagua had another opportunity to score the first goal of the pulsating encounter after receiving a pass from Nzube Anaezemba but his shot went inches wide.
    The defending Champions were awarded a free kick in the 8th minute of the match when Salau Ibrahim was brought down in the final third by Chris Madaki but Moses Bunde poor delivery from the free kick was cleared by Chinedu Udoji.
    Evans Ogenyi’s men were denied an opportunity to net the opener in the 28th minute through Ibrahim Salau but Pillars goalkeeper David Obiazor pulled a brilliant save.
    Ibrahim Musa’s wards scored the only goal of the game in the 33rd minute when Rabiu Ali beat an offside trap before putting the ball past John Lawrence. The first 45 minutes ended with the Pillars claiming a deserved one goal lead.
    The Benue Army came out strong in the second half and created couple of goal scoring chances but Pillars were resolute with their defensive play.
    In their bid to get the equaliser, Lobi Stars made few changes. Eze Uchenna was introduced for Ibrahim Salau in the 53rd minute while David Tyavkase and Manir Ubale came in for Paul Onobi and Adeshina Thomas. The 75th minute of the exchange saw Lobi Stars weaving around Pillars defense with great passing skills, Duru sent in a lovely pass to Okpotu but Udoji intercepted it with a timely tackle.
    Pillars stood their ground and defended their lead as they claimed their second Gold Cup trophy in three years.
    However, FC Ebedei’s youngster Batholomew Daniel claimed the top scorer award with three goals, Rabiu Ali was voted the tourney most valuable player while John Lawrence of Lobi Stars was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
  • Emeteole: Image of everything football- Christian Chukwu

    Emeteole: Image of everything football- Christian Chukwu

    Former Super Eagles Coach, Christian Chukwu, has described late Kelechi Emeteole, also a former Super Sand Eagles coach, an “an image of everything football.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emeteole died in the early hours of Wednesday in a New Delhi hospital in India, where he was receiving treatment for throat cancer.

    Emeteole was aged 66.

    Chukwu, who spoke with NAN on Thursday in Enugu, said it was unfortunate for the former coach to depart for the great beyond when his wealth of experience was still needed.

    He added that “I am yet to recover from the shocking news of Emeteole’s death yesterday.

    “I am personally saddened with the development. Emeteole lived on and for football.

    “He was an epitome of everything football, who passionately love the game and gave his best and time to see it grow.

    “A good team player and one that understand the need for team-work, and to maintain a united team while as a player in the national team and in all the club sides he had handled.

    Chukwu and Emetole were former team mates in the then Green Eagles under the tutelage of late Yugoslavian coach, Tihomir “Tiko” Jelisavčić popularly known as “Father Tiko”

    He was also a member of the bronze winning squad at the 10th African Cup of Nations in Ethiopia in 1976.

    Emeteole won 17 caps for the national team between 1975 to 1977 and scored four goals.

    Popularly known as “Caterpillar”, Emeteole played alongside Idowu Otubusen, Samuel Ojebode, Zion Ogunfehinmi, Kunle Awesu, Muda Lawal, Joe Erico and others too numerous to mention.

    He also plied his trade with Rangers International FC of Enugu at the height of the club’s reign in Nigeria and the African continent.

    For his coaching career, Emeteole later served as an assistant coach of the Super Eagles.

    Between 2007 and 2009, he was the Head Coach of the beach soccer national team, now known as the Super Sand Eagles.

    Emetiole also had coaching stints with notable clubs like: Spartan FC later known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri, El-Kanemi of Maiduguri, Lobi Stars of Makurdi, and International FC and Rangers International of Enugu.

    He led Iwuanyanwu Nationale to the final of CAF Champions League in 2009.

  • Nwangwa’s brace lifts Kano Pillars over Lobi Stars

    Nwangwa’s brace lifts Kano Pillars over Lobi Stars

    Nyima Nwangwa scored a brace on Sunday for Kano Pillars to beat visiting Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-1 in a 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture.

    Goals in the 29th and 49th minutes of the Match Day 22 fixture played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano gave Pillars victory.‎

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Uchenna Eze’s 85th minute equaliser was not enough to give the visiting Makurdi-based side any reprieve.

    Kano Pillars’ coach Ibrahim Musa told newsmen after the match that his team’s performance was good.‎

    Musa expressed satisfaction with the game’s outcome, saying he was happy that his boys played according to instructions.

    ‎Solomon Ogbede, coach of Lobi Stars, also commended his team for their fighting spirit.

    “Although we lost the match today against Kano Pillars, but I can say that my boys played well,” he said.

  • Rangers Int’l FC says goalkeeping worries over

    Rangers Int’l FC says goalkeeping worries over

    Rangers Int’l FC of Enugu Goalkeeper trainer, Suleiman Shuibu, says the club has overcome its goalkeeping injury crisis that affected it in the first stanza of the league.

    Speaking to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday, Shuibu said that goalkeeping injury crisis of the club was over.

    According to him, at the moment the club need not worry because a new goalkeeper, Saidu Matawakilu, is doing well.

    “At the moment we have a goalkeeper, Saidu Matawakilu, who is at the leadership of the goalkeeping for now.

    “So you do not need to change a winning team overnight.
    “We know that Nana Bonsu is the first choice goalkeeper no doubt, but Matawakilu is doing well at the moment.
    “Mutawakilu can be changed along the line when the need arise but for now, we cannot touch that area because it is a sensitive area in football,” he said.
    NAN reports that the club first choice goalkeeper, Nana Bonsu was injured in their match with Lobi Stars at the beginning of the season and was replaced by Itodo Akor, who was also injured before their exit from CAF competition.

    Rangers suffered injury in their goalkeeping department to an extent that Nana Bonsu had to be rushed back unfit against Zesco United FC of Zambia in their confederation second leg match in Zambia.

    “At the early stage of the season, it was unfortunate that we could not clear all the goalkeepers in our rank.
    “We only succeeded in registering three goalkeepers and out of the three, Emmanuel Daniel left to South Africa and we were left with two.
    “Along the line, the two keepers were injured but we have to manage what we have but all that is over now,’’ he said.

    He said that the other goalkeepers were cleared in the mid-season transfer window and that the club was happy that the injured ones were back to fitness.

  • Lobi Stars FC appoints new Technical Adviser

    Lobi Stars FC appoints new Technical Adviser

     The Management of Lobi Stars Football Club has appointed Solomon Ogbeide as the club’s Technical Adviser.

    The chairman of the club, Mr Mike Idoko, announced the appointment today in Makurdi.

    Ogbeide takes over from Godwin Uwuah who was suspended in February.

    Idoko urged Ogbeide to fortify the club and enjoined the players to rededicate themselves to the goals and aspirations of the club.

    In his speech, Ogbeide pleaded with stakeholders in sports sector to embrace hard work to achieve greater success, warning that the club would not tolerate laxity.

    “We have to work as a team and I will ensure that Lobi FC records best points in all its outings and positions on the league table,’’ he said.

    Before his appointment, Ogbeide had coached Awka United and Bayelsa United, among others teams.

  • Lobi Stars FC gets technical advisory committee

    Lobi Stars FC gets technical advisory committee

    The Board of Lobi Stars FC has constituted a technical advisory committee to assist Coach Evans Ogenyi-led crew to push the team to greater heights.

    The board gave the approval at a meeting in Makurdi after it assessed the team’s performance 14 weeks since the commencement  of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    According to a release signed by the Club’s Secretary, Terzungwe Chugh, the role of the new committee “is purely advisory.”

    It listed the names of the committee members as Moses Kpakor, Tom Aondona, Emmanuel Orkaa, Peter Akaazua and Fidelis Antyumbe.

    The statement warned the players against any form of laxity and indiscipline as displayed during the game against Nasarawa United at the Aper Aku Stadium on March 19.

    The board observed that although the performance of the team so far was commendable, there was need for  more commitment on the part of the players.

    It expressed confidence that the dream of the team to be among the best at the end of the season remains realisable as only five points separate Lobi Stars FC and the team on top of the log.

    “The management express appreciation to Gov. Samuel Ortom for all the support and funding despite the present economic realities.”

    It also acknowledged the support of media and the club’s teeming fans for their wonderful support and show of solidarity.

  • Lobi appoints Committee. Reads riot act to players

    Lobi appoints Committee. Reads riot act to players

     

    The Lobi Stars management board has approved the constitution of a Technical Committee to assist the coach Evans Ogenyi-led technical crew with tactical inputs from time to time.

    The board made the decision after a crucial meeting held in Makurdi to assess the performance of the team in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) as at week 14 of the season.

    According to a release signed by the Club’s Secretary and board member, Terzungwe Chugh, the committee role is purely advisory.

    The members of the committee are Moses Kpakor, Tom Aondona and Emmanuel Orkaa. Others are Peter Akaazua and Fidelis Antyumbe.

    However, the board read the riot act to the players and further resolved to introduce even more stringent measures that will instill discipline while condemning in strong terms the lackadaisical attitude of some players, particularly as was noticed during the game against Nasarawa United at the Aper  Aku Stadium last Sunday.

    “The board observed that the performance of the team so far has been commendable but called for more commitment on the part of the players. It also noted that there was high level of competitiveness in the current season, which explains why the North Central Derbies involving Lobi Stars, Plateau United and Nasarawa United all ended in draws.

    “The board, however, assures that the dream of the team to be among the best at the end of the season remains realisable as only five points separate Lobi Stars FC and the team on top of the league table at the moment and therefore warned that any member of the team that sabotages its resolve to achieve its set objectives would be accordingly sanctioned or rooted out.

    “The management expressed appreciation to his Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom for all the support and funding despite the present economic realities and acknowledged the support of members of the press as well as the club’s teeming fans for their wonderful support and show of solidarity,” the release said in part.