Lobi Stars Chairman Denies Allegations by Ossy Martins Amid Ongoing Internal Rift

Posted : 20 July 2025

The internal rift within Nigeria National League-bound Lobi Stars FC continues, as Club Chairman Philip Nongu has distanced himself from recent allegations made by one of the club’s players, Ossy Martins, concerning player welfare.

Lobi Stars had earlier declared Martins Absent Without Leave (AWOL)—an allegation the player strongly refuted in an interview, citing poor treatment by the club’s management. Martins further alleged that the chairman should be held responsible if anything untoward were to happen to him.

In a formal rebuttal, Nongu dismissed the claims as baseless and malicious.

"The attention of the Chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club, Philip Nongu, has been drawn to a viral social media post attributed to a supposed player of the club, Ossy Martins, calling on the public to hold the Chairman responsible should anything happen to him.

The statement is not only false and malicious but also deeply disappointing.

For the record, Martins absconded from the club during the second stanza of the 2024/2025 season without official notice, even though his contract with the club remained valid.

His disappearance led to the club declaring him AWOL (Absent Without Official Leave), in line with professional protocols.

It was only much later that he sent an SMS directly to the Chairman, claiming he had left Makurdi due to threats from certain youths—reasons unrelated to football. At no point did he link these alleged threats to the club or its leadership.

This makes his current public outburst even more shocking. Why would a player who left unprofessionally and for personal reasons now attempt to drag the Chairman into an issue he previously stated had nothing to do with the club?

Let it be made abundantly clear that the Chairman has no involvement in Martins’ private matters and will not tolerate being falsely accused.

The Chairman demands an immediate public retraction and apology within 48 hours. Failure to do so will result in legal action to seek redress and protect his reputation.

Lobi Stars Football Club remains focused on professionalism, discipline, and the growth of Nigerian football. The club will not be distracted by attempts to tarnish the image of its leadership through baseless blackmail," the statement concluded.

The situation continues to unfold, with fans and stakeholders watching closely as the club prepares for its campaign in the Nigeria National League.

Lobi Stars Chairman Denies Allegations by Ossy Martins Amid Ongoing Internal Rift

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