Lobi Stars of Makurdi is once again set to play its upcoming home matches for the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season away from its traditional home ground. This decision comes as a result of the ongoing reconstruction of Aper Aku Stadium, which the state government has been unable to complete on schedule. As a result, Lobi Stars will need to find an alternative venue for their home fixtures.
Last season, Lobi Stars utilized Lafia Township Stadium as their temporary home ground. However, with Nasarawa United FC gaining promotion to the NPFL from the Nigeria National League (NNL), Lafia Township Stadium is now reserved for Nasarawa United's home games. This leaves Lobi Stars in need of another suitable venue for the upcoming season.
After considering various options, Lobi Stars has decided to play its home matches at Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi. This stadium will serve as their temporary home ground for the 2024/2025 NPFL season. The decision to move to Bauchi was influenced by the need for a venue that is both available and meets the league's standards for hosting matches.
Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi is currently shared with Wikki Tourists, who are also based in Bauchi and play in the second-tier Nigeria National League (NNL). This arrangement will see both teams using the same stadium for their respective league matches, creating a busy football environment in the region. The shared use of the stadium will require coordination between the two clubs to ensure smooth scheduling and maintenance.
This will be the second consecutive season that Lobi Stars will be playing their home matches away from their home base. Last season, due to the renovation work at Aper Aku Stadium, they were based at Lafia City Stadium. The club's relocation to Bauchi for the current season highlights the ongoing challenges faced by teams in Nigeria regarding infrastructure and venue availability.
Lobi Stars will kick off their 2024/2025 NPFL campaign with a match against Akwa United next month. The team will be looking to start the season strong, despite the logistical challenges of playing away from their home city. The opening match against Akwa United will be a crucial test as they adapt to their new temporary home and aim to build momentum for the season ahead.
As Lobi Stars prepares for its new temporary home, the club is hopeful that the change in venue will not affect their performance negatively. The team and its supporters will be eager to see how they adjust to the Tafawa Balewa Stadium and continue their quest for success in the NPFL.
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