Lobi Stars head coach Mika Lönnström expressed his disappointment after his team’s narrow 1-0 loss to Bendel Insurance in Saturday’s Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. The game was decided by Isaac Annor’s late winner, scored seven minutes before full time.
Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities, Lobi Stars were unable to capitalise due to poor finishing, particularly from set pieces. Lönnström acknowledged his team’s effort but pointed out that their lack of clinical finishing proved costly. “We played well but failed to convert set pieces into goals. We’ll address these lapses in training,” he stated.
The defeat drops Lobi Stars to 17th position on the NPFL table, increasing pressure on the team as they prepare for their next fixture against Heartland FC.
Editorial
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Lobi Stars’ defeat to Bendel Insurance underscores the importance of clinical finishing in football. Creating chances is only half the battle the ability to convert those opportunities separates winners from losers. For a team fighting to climb the NPFL table, consistent scoring must become a priority.
Coach Mika Lönnström’s admission of the team’s shortcomings is a step in the right direction, but addressing these issues requires more than training it demands a change in mindset. Players need confidence and composure in front of goal, skills that can be honed through targeted drills and psychological preparation.
For Bendel Insurance, Isaac Annor’s late winner highlights the value of persistence and seizing critical moments. This win keeps them competitive and builds momentum in what promises to be a tightly contested league.
The upcoming clash with Heartland offers Lobi Stars a chance for redemption. To turn their season around, they must translate possession and creativity into goals, starting with their next match.
Did You Know?
- Bendel Insurance has one of the oldest football traditions in Nigeria, dating back to 1972.
- Lobi Stars have previously won the NPFL title, with their last triumph in the 2017/18 season.
- Mika Lönnström is one of the few European coaches currently managing in the NPFL.
- Set pieces account for nearly 30% of all goals scored in professional football, highlighting their importance in tight games.
- The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the game was played, is one of Nigeria’s most iconic sports venues, located in Benin City.
