Lobi Stars secured their first victory of the 2024/2025 NPFL season by defeating Shooting Stars Sporting Club of Ibadan 1-0 in a closely contested match on Saturday, October 5th, at the Lafia City Stadium. The game, which saw Lobi Stars dominate possession from the start, was marked by high intensity and strong defensive displays.
Samuel Tiza, a former Shooting Stars player, scored the decisive goal in the 28th minute after receiving a well timed pass from Ahmadu Liman. This marked Tiza’s first goal of the season, contributing to an impressive performance in front of his former club. Lobi Stars continued to press forward, creating multiple chances but were unable to increase their lead before halftime.
In the second half, Shooting Stars attempted to find an equalizer, but Lobi Stars held firm defensively. Alao Dabani nearly doubled Lobi’s lead, but his shot narrowly missed. Goalkeeper Itodo, making his debut for Lobi Stars, played a crucial role in maintaining the clean sheet, with captain Daniel Atsaka providing leadership after replacing him later in the match.
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Following the victory, Lobi Stars’ head coach Eugene Agagbe praised his team’s character and resilience, expressing optimism that the win would mark the beginning of a successful run this season. Lobi Stars now turn their attention to their upcoming North Central derby against Niger Tornadoes, where they will look to build on this positive result.
Editorial
Lobi Stars’ gritty performance against Shooting Stars is a testament to their resilience and determination to turn their season around. The team’s first win of the 2024/2025 NPFL campaign comes at a crucial moment, as they were under pressure to secure points early on. This victory not only boosts team morale but also sets the stage for future success, particularly with an important North Central derby on the horizon.
The standout performance of Samuel Tiza, who netted the winning goal, highlights the importance of individual moments in tight games. Tiza’s familiarity with his former club gave him an edge, but credit must also go to Ahmadu Liman for providing the assist. Coach Eugene Agagbe’s strategic substitutions, especially the introduction of captain Daniel Atsaka, further solidified the team’s defence and ensured they kept their lead intact.
As we look ahead, Lobi Stars must build on this victory. They demonstrated strength in both attack and defence, but they will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to maintain consistent form throughout the season. The upcoming match against Niger Tornadoes will be a true test of their progress, but with renewed confidence, Lobi Stars appear poised for a more successful campaign.
Did You Know?
- Lobi Stars have won the Nigerian Professional Football League title three times, most recently in 2018.
- The Lafia City Stadium, where Lobi Stars play their home matches, has a capacity of 10,000 spectators.
- Shooting Stars, their opponents, are one of the oldest football clubs in Nigeria, founded in 1950.
- Lobi Stars were originally based in Benue State but have recently played home matches in Lafia due to stadium renovations.
- The NPFL Nigerian Professional Football League was established in 1972, with Lobi Stars being one of its prominent teams over the years.
