Lobi Stars To Play Home Matches In Benue - Chairman

The Chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, Dr. Philip Nongu has assured supporters of his management led soccer team's readiness to return the club to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after playing home matches from the Nigerian National Football League (NNFL) this season in Benue State. 

The Chairman disclosed the news while interacting with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Benue State Chapter.

Dr. Nongu who appreciated Governor Hyacinth Alia's commitment to supporting Lobi Stars prosper amidst the demotion added that Alia's effort has already boosted morale for the return of the team to the top flight soccer league next season.

 Nongu (PhD) disclosed also that the Governor's resolve to complete renovation of the Aper Aku stadium and re-fix the Mcarthy stadium timely justified expression of the confidence that those home matches would be played in Makurdi or other parts of the state.

He stated that, management was recruiting energetic and disciplined players, particularly home boys to replace older ones believed to satisfy the yearning and desires of the Governor to develop the local talents. Nongu stated equally that the engagement of Bala Abubakar as technical adviser would drive the Makurdi team back to the NPFL super class.

Restating why Lobi would do better with home matches in the state while Bala Abubakar in charge technically can work the magic, Nongu said Bala's second return to Lobi would assist the team already set for NPFL qualification. He noted that the Niger State born coach recruited many of the players who took Lobi to the enviable position before things had fallen apart!

He stated further that Bala Abubakar promoted Niger Tornadoes to the NPFL and that the coach has reputation for hard work needed for the promotion of Lobi in the way he did for Niger Tornadoes of Niger State.

The Chairman was upbeat about Bala's experience as good enough to bear on Lobi Stars progress positively.

On the need to play the home matches in the state, the club's Chairman lamented the bitter experience faced in Lafia. He said, the situation forced the team to move to Bauchi, yet same continued and relocated to Enugu where the relegation came finally.

On the part of the coach, Bala assured of his commitment to take Lobi Stars to the promise land after appreciating the government and people of the state for letting him back to the club he loves to give value for the investments.