2025/2026 NNL Match Day 1 Preview: Lobi Stars Begin Life in Lower League

Posted : 14 November 2025

After 27 years of uninterrupted presence in Nigeria’s topflight, Lobi Stars will formally begin life in the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) on Saturday, November 15, when they face debutants City FC Abuja in Match Day 1 of the Northern Conference C at their adopted home ground, the Lafia City Stadium.

Given their pedigree in Nigerian football, Lobi Stars—undoubtedly one of the most formidable teams in the NNL—are determined to make a swift return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), where they believe they rightfully belong.

The “Yes Father Boys” are therefore poised to secure a resounding victory over their less experienced opponents in the opening match, aiming to reassure fans of their commitment and readiness to bounce back to the NPFL in just one season.

Despite the obvious gap in quality and experience between the two sides, Lobi Stars are taking nothing for granted. They understand the danger of underestimating smaller opponents eager to prove a point against more established teams.

Adding to their confidence is the positive atmosphere at the TA’AL Conference Hotel camp, where the vastly experienced Technical Adviser, Coach Abubakar Bala, is putting final touches to his game plan for a massive win on Saturday.

The former Niger Tornadoes, Kwara United, Katsina United, and Sunshine Stars tactician is no stranger to the task of guiding clubs back to the NPFL. With the unwavering support of the Simon Ikya–led Interim Management Committee (IMC), Bala may have little difficulty fulfilling his current assignment.

Coach Bala is expected to rely on the defensive solidity of former Super Eagles ace Solomon Kwambe and Daniel Edeh, along with the attacking threat of goal-hungry Abdulaziz Tijani and fleet-footed Suur Kumaga, who are set to lead the charge as his “weapons of mass destruction” in this North Central derby.

At the management level, IMC Chairman Simon Ikya—an astute football administrator—is doing everything possible to ensure the team is well motivated for the challenges ahead.

His efforts are geared not only toward restoring the club’s lost glory but also rebuilding fans’ confidence and justifying the trust placed in him by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

2025/2026 NNL Match Day 1 Preview: Lobi Stars Begin Life in Lower League

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics