2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 15: Lobi Stars will keep pushing, Finnish Gaffer pleads

Posted : 29 November 2024

Until this year, Lobi Stars had been a dominant force in the league, competing shoulder-to-shoulder with title contenders. However, things have changed drastically, as the team now struggles to win matches.

Last season, under the guidance of Eugene Agagbe, the Alia Boys were feared and admired, remaining one of the most impressive teams by winning almost all their home matches despite playing away from their traditional ground at the Aper Aku Stadium. Playing at the nearby Lafia Township Stadium did not hinder their performance, as evidenced by their strong away victories.

Watch NPFL Matches LIVE: https://www.africasport.net/livetv/nigeria

However, in less than 12 months, Lobi Stars now find themselves fighting for survival in the Premier League. This comes even after the dismissal of Agagbe and his replacement by former Super Eagles striker and assistant national team coach, Daniel Amokachi.

Recently, Lobi Stars appointed Finnish tactician Mika Lönnström as the new head coach, presumably to restore the team’s strength, which must have come at a significant cost.

At the unveiling ceremony in Makurdi, club chairman Philip Nongu explained that Lönnström’s appointment was part of the club’s efforts to improve performance. Nongu stated that Lönnström’s expertise and passion would undoubtedly elevate the team's output.

However, a few matches into Lönnström’s tenure, Lobi Stars' fortunes have not improved significantly. The team still sits near the bottom of the NPFL table in 19th position, just one spot above rock-bottom Bendel Insurance.

On the crucial upcoming match against the Harmony Boys, Lobi Stars’ Finnish head coach Mika Lönnström stated that the team would "keep pushing till the very end" of the ongoing 2024/2025 NPFL season.

Lobi Stars recently suffered a 3-0 loss to Rangers International on Match Day 14 of the NPFL at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Rangers' goals came early from Owumiru Frank, Kenneth Igboke, and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi.

Lönnström, who praised the team’s development and the players' efforts, said:
"Our young players are adapting to our playing pattern. It's a process, and they’re responding well in training. Unfortunately, the result didn’t reflect their effort, but we’ll keep pushing."

He added:
"Lobi Stars will face Kwara United in Lafia next, aiming to bounce back stronger."

Head-to-Head
Since 2022, Lobi Stars and Kwara United have played a total of four matches, with Lobi Stars winning three times and Kwara United securing one victory.

Lobi Stars 4-3 Kwara United (15.06.2024)
Kwara United 0-2 Lobi Stars (07.01.2024)
Lobi Stars 3-1 Kwara United (01.06.2022)
Kwara United 1-0 Lobi Stars (06.02.2022)

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 15: Lobi Stars will keep pushing, Finnish Gaffer pleads

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