2025/2026 Match Day 1: Lobi Stars Begin Lower League Campaign with Lone Goal Victory

Posted : 17 November 2025

Fleet-footed Suur Kumaga’s 43rd-minute thunderous free kick was all it took to put Lobi Stars on the win list in their league opener against the mobile and youthful City FC Abuja.

City FC’s tireless forward Philip Eugene took the kick-off at exactly 3 PM as both teams held the Lafia City Stadium fans spellbound with frantic efforts to open the scoring.

Bidemi Uwouku came close in the 7th minute with a shot that ended in the waiting hands of goalkeeper Emmanuel Adayilo, following Suur Kumaga’s assist.

The City boys launched a dangerous attack on the left side in the 11th minute, which was aborted by Valentine Egiga, who quickly returned the ball to Kumaga. Kumaga controlled the ball and mesmerized the opposition defense, but his shot was again safely collected by Adayilo.

The tension-soaked encounter remained goalless as both sides searched frantically for a breakthrough until the center referee called for a cooling break in the 30th minute.

Lobi Stars’ persistent attacking pressure forced City FC into a defensive lapse, leading to Chijindu Okah handling the ball at the edge of the penalty area. Suur Kumaga expertly converted the resulting free kick in the 43rd minute to put Lobi ahead.

City FC attempted to equalize in the second minute of added first-half time, but a desperate challenge by Philip Eugene was thwarted by former Super Eagles defender Solomon Kwambe, and a free kick was awarded to Lobi Stars. The first half ended shortly after the restart at 45+3 minutes.

Lobi Stars resumed the second half with renewed spirit as Coach Abubakar Bala Mohammed reshuffled the squad, bringing in Nazir Mohammed and Francis Odinaka to stabilize the midfield alongside Jimmy Iteji and Peter Onah.

Mathew Ajibola had a chance in the 63rd minute with only the goalkeeper to beat, but his low shot to the far post was saved by Emmanuel Adayilo.

Suur Kumaga nearly doubled his side’s lead in the 69th minute after outrunning the City defense and lifting the ball over the goalkeeper, but the effort narrowly missed the target.

Azeez Tijanni and Bidemi Owoku were replaced by Dominic Foga and Emmanuel Ofem in the 74th minute to intensify the attack. Despite increased pressure, the scoreline remained 1–0 in favor of Lobi Stars until the final whistle.

Reacting after the crunch derby, head coach Abubakar Bala Mohammed praised the team for securing three points, adding that the current league position is below expectations and vowing to provide technical guidance to help Lobi Stars perform consistently and earn promotion back to the Premier League.

Lobi Stars will travel to Kano for their Match Day 2 encounter against Kada FC, aiming to consolidate their first victory.

2025/2026 Match Day 1: Lobi Stars Begin Lower League Campaign with Lone Goal Victory

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics