Lobi Stars Football Club recorded their first win of the 2024/2025 NPFL season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars Sporting Club of Ibadan on Saturday, October 5th, at the Lafia City Stadium.
The match, initially slated for a 2 PM kick-off but rescheduled to 3 PM, was brimming with intensity from start to finish.
The Alia Boys came close early on, with Samuel Tiza’s 4th-minute effort easily gathered by the opposition goalkeeper.
The Makurdi-based side dominated possession, pressing relentlessly until the 28th minute when Tiza, against his former team, slotted home a well-timed pass from Ahmadu Liman to give the “Shoe Get Size Boys” the lead.
The Pride of Benue created several more chances through Stanley Oganbor, Tiza, and Liman but couldn’t add to their tally before halftime.
The second half saw fresh energy injected by Alao Dabani, who came close to doubling the lead in the 51st minute. Shooting Stars pushed for an equalizer, but Lobi’s Itodo, making his first start, stood firm in goal before being replaced by captain Daniel Atsaka, whose leadership helped secure the deserving win.
Speaking after the match, Head Coach Eugene Agagbe expressed his satisfaction with the performance:
"The lads played with character and are determined to achieve more good results. I believe that with today’s result, we have picked up momentum and may find our winning ways."
With this crucial victory, Lobi Stars look ahead to their next fixture, a North Central derby against Niger Tornadoes in Minna next weekend.
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